I PE 1628 

.G3 

1847 
I Copy 1 



SCHOOL AND FAMII/i 



j) 1 C T [ O N A R Y , 



ILLUSTRA T I V E DETINER, 



1Y T. H. GALLAUDET, 

AND 

HORACE HOOKER 



NEW-YORK : 
PR A i [\ W ■» O DF BD & CO. 



G$ 



i LI BRARY OF CONGRE SS. 

! [SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.] 



; / uzai \ 

! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. " 



&■ 



SCHOOL AND FAMILY 



DICTIONARY, 



ILLUSTRATIVE DEFINER. 



BY T. H.GALLAUDET, 



»*" 



HORACE HOOKER. 



NEW-YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY PRATT, WOODFORD & CO., 



, 1847. 



At 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1841, bv 
T. H. GALLAUDET, 

AND 

HORACE HOOKER, 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 



Stereotyped by 

RICHARD H. HOBBS, 

Hartford. 



PREFACE. 



Few things are more important in the early education of youth, than to 
teach them accurately the meaning of words, and few things are more 
difficult. If a common dictionary is taken for this purpose, and an attempt 
made to study the definitions which it contains, both teacher and pupil are 
appalled, at the very outset, with the almost hopeless task of learning in 
succession the meaning of some thirty or forty thousand words. But this is 
not necessary. The well known principle, Divide and conquer, applies here 
with peculiar force. Thousands of these words, by daily use in the family 
and in the common intercourse of life, are better understood by every intel- 
ligent child of eight or ten years of age, than they can be from any mere de- 
finition. For what can make plainer to such a child the meaning of the 
words, tree, horse, chair, table, run, give, take, see, hear, love, hate, and the 
like. This class of words is very large, and it is needless to occupy the 
time, and burden the memory of the pupil, with learning definitions of them. 

In addition to this, thousands of the most difficult words, including the 
technical and scientific, had better be reserved till the mind is more devel- 
oped and fitted to comprehend them, and till the comparatively easy words 
needed in defining them, are well understood. For, otherwise, from getting 
only a vague and imperfect notion of the meaning of such words, there will 



be danger that the habit will be formed of not getting the meaning of any 
thoroughly. 

Between these two great classes there is another, to which the attention 
of the learner in studying definitions should first be directed ; and when he 
is well acquainted with it, the attainr^ent of the higher class will not be 
found difficult. It is principally words of this middle range which the 
authors have here introduced. Those of a higher class belong to a suc- 
ceeding volume. 

Another peculiarity of this work 'consists in its definitions and illustra- 
tions. In the definitions the authors have aimed at simplicity and clear- 
ness, avoiding what they conceive to be a great defect, — the defining of 
one word by another, often still more difficult, and then the defining of this 
latter one by the very word which it had been used to define. For exam- 
ple, as when the scholar is told that to abandon means to forsake, to desert; 
and that to forsake is to abandon, to desert ; and that to desert is to abandon, 
to forsake. By going through this circle, unless the scholar happens to 
know already the meaning of some one or more of these words, what addi- 
tional knowledge can he obtain, — while he is continually led to think that 
certain words are synonymous, which often vary widely in their significa- 
tions when applied to different subjects. ' This evil is one of no small 
magnitude, and ought to be guarded against most carefully by those con- 
cerned in the education of youth. 

And even when the definitions have been made as simple as possible, the 
proper meaning and use of most words can be taught effectually only by 
illustrative examples. This is the very way, indeed, in which children, in 
the common intercourse of life, learn their mother tongue ; and it seems • 
essential, therefore, that this should be one of the striking features of a die- 



tionary for schools and families. In this respect, it is believed^the follow- 
ing work has peculiar claims upon the attention of teachers and parents. 
The illustrations have been prepared with great labor, and in making them 
it has been the design of the authors, while showing the proper meaning 
and use of words, to communicate valuable knowledge, to cultivate a correct 
taste, and to impress moral truth. Historical facts and dates, references to 
the Sacred Scriptures, with prudential maxims and precepts adapted to 
the young, pervade the whole. It is recommended to require of the learner 
to give additional illustrations ; as this will serve both to fix more deeply in 
his mind the true power of the word, and to make him more ready in the 
correct use of language. 

It will be seen, too, that a work thus constructed, while it best answers 
the design of such a dictionary, ma)* be used advantageously for occasional 
exercises in reading. It will be, also, a valuable help to the pupil, by fur- 
nishing models in that kind of composition, becoming prevalent in many, 
schools, which consists in forming sentences to contain particular words 
given out by the teacher. 

For the sake of conciseness and method, words of the same family, though 
of different parts of speech, are brought together under that definition of one 
of them to which they properly belong, and are printed in italics. For in- 
stance, under the word " apprehend" will be found the words apprehension 
and apprehensive. 

Of some words, those significations which are rarely met with, are 
omitted. 

In the latter part of the work, as an exercise for the pupil, words are oc- 
casionally defined by other words which had themselves already been fully 
defined. 



Compound words whose meaning can very easily be learned from the 
simple word together with the prefix or suffix, have been omitted, the import 
of such prefixes and suffixes being carefully given. 

Thus, the authors have ain.ed to furnish, in a small compass, a kind of 
First Book in the acquisition of the meaning of the English language, to 
be used in schools and families ; which, with fidelity on the part of teacher 
and pupil, will, they trust, not only aid in accomplishing this great object, 
but in forming, also, accuracy of thought, propriety of diction, correctness of 
taste, and soundness of moral principle. 



MARKS AND ABBREVIATIONS. 



The long vowels are marked thus ; hate, here, mine, globe, cube, rhyme. 
The short vowels are marked thus ; hat, pen, pin, not, nut, hymn. 
The figure 1 over a, denotes the sound of a, as in bar. 



The figure 2 denotes the sound of u, as 



in bush. 



The figure 3 denotes the sound of a, as in ball. 



in w; 



ad. 



The figure 4 denotes the sound of a, as i 

The figure 5 denotes the sound of u, as in bird. 

The figure 6 denotes the sound of o, as in move. 

s sounds like z ; as in rose. 

A dot under the t, in th, denotes that th sounds as in the, thine. 

Th without this dot, is sounded as in thin, thistle. 

The accented syllable is denoted by the figure, or the mark of a long or 
short vowel, placed over it ; as bar gain, cap tive, de plore ; — except in a 
few cases, where the accent (') is used for this purpose, as com pound'. 

Where no illustration is added to a definition, it is separated from the 
succeeding definition by a period and a dash. 

Unless otherwise designated, di sounds as in pain; dy, as in play; ea, as 
in heat ; ee, as in tree ; ei, as in de ceit; 6a, as in board; oi t as in point; oy 9 
as in boy ; ou, as in pound ; ow, as in cow. 

Silent letters are printed in italics ; as in cAasm, dearth, course 



Till MARKS AND ABBREVIATIONS. 

In such words as chance, grant, and disaster, the sound of a, as in many 
other dictionaries, is denoted by the figure 1, as in bar, although the true 
sound lies between this and the sound of a as in man. The sound of a as 
in care, and of a as mfate, as in most other dictionaries, is denoted by the 
same mark, although there is a difference between them. To attempt to 
distinguish accurately these and other similar variations of vowel sounds in 
an elementary work, might serve only to perplex the learner, and the living 
voice will prove his best guide. 

n. stands for noun. 

a. for adjective. 

v. a. for verb active. 

v. n. for verb neuter. 

p. for participle. 

ad. for adverb. 



SCHOOL AND FAMILY 

DICTIONARY. 



AEA 

A ban don, v. a. to quit or forsake, 
~^* m intending never to return to, or 
take care of. 

The crew abandoned the sinking ship. 
A wicked man abandoned his family. 
Avoid bad habits; their abandonment is dif- 
ficult. 

A ban doned, p. wholly given up to 
wickedness. 

We should try to do good, even to a very 
abandoned man. 

A base, v. a. to cast down, to make 
low. 

A scholar behaved badly. The master took 
him from the highest class, and placed him in 
the lowest. He abased him. His abase- 
ment made him feel ashamed. 

We should be humble, and abase ourselves 
before God. 

A bash, v. a. to make ashamed, to 
confuse. 

A boy was stealing apples. The owner 
detected him. He looked red, and did not 
know what to say or do. He was abashed. 

A bate, v. a. to make less. 

A man asked six cents for an orange. A 



ABH 

boy offered him five ; but he would not abate 
the price. 

v. n. to become less. 

It rained hard. It rained less and less. 
The storm abated. His fever continued a 
week, without any abatement. 

Ab bre vi ate, v. a. to shorten, [usu- 
ally applied to words.] 

We abbreviate January by writing it Jan. 
U. S. is an abbreviation for United States. 

A bet, v. a. to encourage or help a 
person, [usually in doing wrong.] 

John promised to watch, while Charles 
was stealing water-melons. He abetted 
Charles. Never be an abettor of others in 
wickedness. 

Ab di cate, v. a. to give up forever 
an office, or place of power. 

The king determined to be king no longer. 
He abdicated his throne. After his abdica- 
tion, his son became king. 

Ab hor, v. a. to start back from with 
strong dislike. 
Almost every body abhors a snake. 
We should abhor a lie. 
A good child has an abhorrence of bad words. 



ABO 

To abuse animals should be abhorrent to 
our feelings. 

A bide, v. n. to stay in a place. 

The young birds abide in their nest. 

to continue the same. 

The truth of God abideth forever. 

v. a. to wait for. 

" Bonds abide me," said Paul, — that is, he 
expected to be bound. 

to bear or endure. 

The slothful man must abide the evils of 
poverty, — that is, he must hear them. 
A bil i ty, n. I can do it, — that is, I 
have the ability to do it. 
*James can walk. He has the ability to 
walk. 

William is deaf and dumb. He has not 
the ability to speak. 
Eliza has the ability to write a good letter. 
We should be glad to have the ability of 
„ doing good to others. 

Ab ject, a. low, mean, despised. 

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, became 
like a beast, and was a miserable, abject man. 
Drunkards often become very abject. 

Jib jure, v. a. to give up something 
with an oath, or in a solemn man- 
ner. 

A Hindoo became a Christian, and abjured 
idolatry. 

A man left his country, solemnly declaring 
he would never return to it. He abjured 
_ his country. 

A ble, a. I can do it, — that is, I am 
able to do it. 

Robert is able to swim. 
Sarah is able to read. 

A board, ad. in a ship. 

A bode, n. the place where one lives. 

The abode of an Arab is his tent. 

continuance in a place. 

He made but a short abode in London. 

A bol ish, v. a. to unmake, to put an 
end to. 



10 ABR 

A school-master abolished an old rule, and 
made a new one. # 

The abolition of the custom of war, would be ' 
a great blessing. 

A bom i nate, v. a. to hate a thing, 
and turn away from it with great 
dislike. 

We abominate the base conduct of Judas 

when he betrayed Christ. 

" Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord." 
Nero, a Roman emperor, was abominable for 

his cruelty. 

Ab o rig' i nes, (ab o rife nez,) n. the 
earfiest people in a country. 

The Indians are the aborigines, c 
inhabitants, of America. 

A bor tive, a. failing, because it takes 
place before the proper time, or be- 
cause all was not done that ought 
to be done. 

The woman tried to bake the bread before 
the oven was made hot enough, but the attempt 
was an abortive one. She had to heat the 
oven over again. 

A bound', v. n. to be full of, to have 
a great deal of. 
The trees abound with cherries. 
There is an abundance of oranges in Cuba. 
"The Lord is abundant in goodness and 
truth." 

A bridge, v. a. to make shorter or less. 

His letter was too long. He wrote it over 
again, saying the same things in much fewer 
words. He abridged it. 

This small Geography is an abridgment. 

to deprive of. 

A boy came late to school so often, that the 
master abridged him of his play-hours. 

Ab nipt, a. broken short and rough, 
sudden. 

The road at fiist was level. All at once, we 
began to go down a steep descent. It was ab 
rupt and dangerous. 

He toid John of the death of his father with 
great abruptness. 



ABS 



11 



ABU 



Ab scond, v. n. to go away secretly. 

He was afraid of being taken to jail for pass- 
ing bad money, and absconded in the night. 

Ab sence, n. a being away. — inatten- 
tion. 

Mary was thinking so much of her doll, that 
she did not hear what her sister said to her. 
w She had absence of mind. 

Ab so lute, a. free from any thing 
that can hinder. 

A king who governs his people just as he 
pleases, is absolute. 

not limited, unconditional. 

He made me a promise without saying, 
" if." It was a promise he would not fail to 
keep. It was absolute. 

Ab solve, v. a. to set free from. . 

I told him he need not pay me. I absolved 
him from the debt. 

to clear without punishing. 

The father did not punish his son who had 
behaved badly and was sorry for it. He ab- 
solved him. 

The Bible teaches us, how we may obtain 
the absolution of our sins. 

Ab sorb, v. a. to suck or swallow up 
by degrees. 

The sponge absorbs the water. 

to be deeply engaged in. 

"William did not hear the cry of " fire," he 
was so absorbed in his lesson. 

Ab stain, v. n. to keep from the use 
of. 

He drinks spirituous liquors no longer. He 
abstains from the use of them. ( 

Ab ste mi ous, a. using sparingly. 

When recovering from sickness, he had to 
^ be abstemious in his food. 

Ab sti nence, n. using none, or very 
much less than common. 

Mohammed ordered an entire abstinence 
from wine among his followers. 

We should be abstinent in using what we 
<ear may hurt us. 



Ab stract, v. a. to draw away from 
other things. 

Robert abstracted his mind from every thing 
else, and fixed it upon his lesson. 

I think only of the whiteness of an 
egg, and not of its shape or weight. 
I say, its whiteness is like that of 
snow. In my mind, and in speak- 
ing of it, I separate its whiteness 
from its shape and weight, and 
from any thing else that belongs 
to it. 1 abstract its whiteness from 
its other qualities. Whiteness, 
redness, goodness, strength, and 
such words are called abstract 
terms. 

Our being able, in our minds, to sep- 
arate one quality of a thing from 
the rest, and to speak of it, is 
called the power of abstraction. 

Ab stract, n. a small writing, or book, 
containing the principal things in a 
larger one. 

John made an abstract of the history of Rome. 

Ab strfise, a. hidden, not easy to be 
understood. 

The sermon was too abstruse for most of 
those who heard it. They did not know what 
a great deal of it meant. 

Ab surd, a. clearly wrong, so that it 
would be foolish to say it is true, 
or to believe it. 

It is an absurdity to suppose that a boy can 
improve without attention to his studies. 

A buse, v. a. to use things or persons 
ill. 

A boy threw his books about, and let them 
get torn and dirty. He abused them. 

Samuel struck John, and called him bad 
names. He abused him shamefully. 



ACC 



12 



ACC 



William had leave to get a few apples ; bui 
he picked a hundred. It was an abuse of his 
father's kindness. 

Doeg was abusive to David. 

A byss, n. a bottomless depth; a very 

deep gulf. 
A cad e my, n. a society of learned 

men, or of artists ; a higher kind of 

school. 
Ac cept, v. a. to take willingly what 

is given. 

He accepted the invitation with pleasure. 
Your letter was very acceptable. 

Ac cess, n. the getting to a person or 
thing. 

He gave me a note to the jailer, by which I 
had access to the prison. 

He was a kind man, and his house was al- 
ways accessible to the poor. 

the way by which we may approach. 

The access to the cave was through a nar- 
^ row, winding path. 

Ac ci dent, n. that which happens 
unexpectedly, and without design/ 

A boy sliding on the ice fell, and broke his 
arm. It was a sad accident. 

The meeting of the two friends in New 
York, was accidental. 

Ac com mo date, v. a. to make suita- 
ble or fit. 

He had been rich, but became poor. He 
was willing to live in a small house, and ac- 
commodate himself to his circumstances. 

to furnish what is comfortable and 
convenient. 

The school-room accommodated twenty 
scholars well. 

We found good accommodations in the 

steam-boat. 

Ac com plish, v. a. to do, with regard 

to a thing, all that is necessary or 

intended to be done. 

A man planned abridge across a wide river. 



It was begun to be built in April, and the work 
was accomplished before winter. 

Christ foretold the destruction of Jerusalem. 
After his death, the Romans came and destroy- 
ed the city. His prophecy was accomplished. 

Ac cord, v. n. to agree with, to be 
suited to. 

His account of the pyramids in Egypt, ac 
corded well with what we had read of them be 
fore. 

He came punctually at the time, in exacl 
accordance with his engagement. 

When a person is led to do a thing from his 
own thoughts and feelings, and not by others, 
we say he does it of his own accord. 

Ac cost, v. a. to speak to. 

A boy who had lost his way accosted a stran- 
ger respectfully, and inquired of him the road. 

Ac cormt', v. a. to esteem or have an 
opinion of. 

Silver was so plenty in the days of Solo- 
mon, that they accounted it of very little value. 

v. n. to give a reason for. 

He spent a great deal of money in letter}' 
tickets, and this accounts for his poverty. 

to tell what one has done and be 
rewarded or punished. 

The boy had to account to his father for the 
money which was given to him. 

We are all accountable to God for our con- 
duct. 

Ac count', n. what is told about some- 
thing. 

The Bible gives us the true account of the 
creation of the world. 

that which is put down in writing of 
. what is due, received, or paid. 

Charles kept an account of his expenses on 
the journey. 

Ac cu mu late, v. a. to bring into a 
pile or heap, by degrees. 

John kept gathering shells on the sea-shore, 
and at last accumulated a great many. 

v: n. to come together into a heap 
gradually. 



ACQ 

The floating ice accumulated above the 
bridge, and broke down one of the arches. 
w Job was afflicted by an accumulation of evils. 

Ac cu rate, a. done with great care, 
and free from error or mistake. 

Washington was very accurate in all that he 
said and did. 

William studied his lesson carefully, and 
recited it with great accuracy. 

Ac cuse, v. a. to say that a person 
has done wrong, in order to bring 
blame or punishment upon him. 

We should never accuse another, unless 
we are sure that he is guilty. 

The Jews brought an accusation against 
Christ before the Roman governor. 

Ac cus torn, v. a. to do a thing often, 
and to continue to do it. 

It is said, that Alexander the Great was ac- 
customed to place a copy of a book written 
by Homer, under his pillow, every night. 

He is accustomed to pray in his family, 
every morning and evening. 

Ac knowl edge, v. a. to admit or own 
it to be so. 

He acknowledged the receipt of my letter. 
Robert was sorry, and acknowledged his 
fault. 

to own thankfully. 

We should acknowledge with gratitude the 
mercies of God. 

Ac quaint, v. a. to tell a person of 
something. 

Samuel behaved badly in school, and the 
master acquainted his father with it. 

to make familiar with. 

He has visited often at our house and we 
are well acquainted with him. 

We should not seek the acquaintance of 
wicked persons. 

Ac % quire, v. a. to make a thing our 
own by continued effort. 

Newton acquired the character of agreat and 

learned man, by much thought and hard study. 

Many strive hard for the acquisition of 



13 ACU 



wealth ; but the acquirement of knowledge is 
much more valuable. 

Ac quit, v. a. to declare one not to be 
guilty or in fault. 

The man was tried for theft, but the jury 
acquitted him. 

His acquittal gave his friends great joy. 

to be no longer bound to do a thing. 
Mary answered all the questions asked her 
at the examination. She acquitted herself 
well, and was bound to do no more. 

Act, v. n. to cease to rest, to be in 
motion, to put forth power. 

There was a calm. Then the wind began 
to blow, and acted upon the sails of the ship, 
which moved swiftly along. 

When you raise your arm, your will acts 
upon it and makes it rise. 

Napoleon, emperor of France, thought much 
and quickly. He had a very active mind. 

He is an active man, and never contented 
unless he is doing something. 

To do well in his business, a man should 
have much activity. 

to behave in a particular manner. 

The drunkard acted like a crazy man. 
Daniel, when in Babylon, acted with great 
M wisdom and courage. 

Act, n. something done. 

A boy was caught in the very act of stealing 
money from the drawer. 

A sailor plunged into the water, and saved a 
w man who was drowning. It was a noble act. 

Ac tion, n. the doing of something. 

The action of the wind on the sails lasted 
during the day. 

The heart is constantly in action. 

Men judge each other more by their actions 
than by their words. 

The action, (or battle,) continued four hours. 

Ac tu al, a. that which really is, and 
not merely supposed to be. 

The sick man was in actual danger of dy 
ing, though he did not think so. 

The small pox was ictually in the village 
though many denied it. 

A cute, a. sharp, pointed. 



^_. 



ADJ 

Needles have very acute points. 

An eagle, when high in the air, can s<se a lit- 
tle lamb on the ground. Its sight is very acute. 

John has an acute mind. He sees mistakes 
in writing quickly. 

The acuteness of her tooth-ache kept Sarah 
awake all night. 

A dapt, v. a. to make one thing fit 
another. 

He bought a small stove, adapting it to the 
size of the room, which was not large. 

He used very plain words, and adapted 
them to the minds of the children. 

Ad diet, v. a. to give one's self up 
strongly to some practice, usually 
a bad one. 

He was so much addicted to lying, that no- 
body would believe him. 

Ad dress, v. a. to speak or write to a 
person. 

We should address the aged with respect. 
Robert addressed a letter to his father, ask- 
ing leave to return home. 

Ad dress, n. a speech on something, 
important. 

The teacher made a very good address to 
the scholars. 

manner of directing a leiter. 

The address of the letter was, " John Smith, 
London." 
Ad here, v. n. to stick to. 

The mortar, when dry, adhered to the bricks. 

The man adhered strongly to his opinion, 
and would not give it up. 

The adherence of the Jews to their religion, 
is very striking. 

Glue is very adhesive. 

Ad journ, v. a. to put off till another 
time. 

The meeting was adjourned for a week. 

' Ad just, v. a. to put in order. 

Before going to sea, the captain adjusted 
the affairs of his family. 

to put things so, that those agree who 
have differed about them. 



14 ADO 

The man and his workmen adjusted their dif 
ficulties, so that they agreed about the wages 

After several conversations, there was an 
adjustment of their accounts. 

Ad mire, v. a. to view or regard with 
pleasing wonder, or esteem. 

Eliza admired the beautiful moss-rose in 
her father's garden. 

The benevolence of Howard is admired by 
all good people. 

The sun, moon, and stars fill us with admi- 
ration of the power and goodness of God. 

The music of Handel is admirable. 

Ad mit, v. a. to let one enter. 

The room was so full, that no more* could 
be admitted. 

He gave me a ticket of admission to the lec- 
tures. 

Through the kindness of a friend, I gained 
admittance to the collection of paintings. 

to allow, or to say willingly that a 
thing is so, or may be so. 

I admit that I owe you a hundred dollars, 
and I will pay it soon. 

The master said that Samuel's excuse was 
not admissible. 

Ad mon ish, v. a. to tell another of 
his faults, kindly and seriously, 
that he may do better in future. 

He is a true friend who admonishes us 
when, we do wrong. 

The examples of God's displeasure against 
the wicked are given in the Bible, for our ad- 
monition. 

A dopt, v. a. to take the child of 
another, and treat it as one's own. 

Pharaoh's daughter adopted Moses. 

to take the opinions or customs of 
others, and have them for our own. 

It has been very difficult to get any of the 
Indians to adopt our mode of living. 

A dore, v. a. to bow the soul before 
God in prayer, with deep reverence 
and love. 

We think of our weakness, our sinfulness, 



ADV 

and our dependence. "We acknowledge how- 
much we owe to God ; and we adore his mer- 
cy and grace through Jesus Christ. 

The works of God should lead us to the ado- 
ration of his greatness. 

A dorn, v. a. to put on, in order to 
make beautiful. 

He adorned his garden with many fine 
flowers. 

Savages love to adorn themselves with 
rings, beads, and gaudy things. 

The Bible teaches us, that the best adorning 
of a wife, is " the ornament of a meek and 
quiet spirit." 

A dult, n. a grown up man or woman. 
Ad vance, v. a. to carry or bring for- 
ward. 

John was a diligent scholar, and the mas- 
ter advanced him to the first class. 

Young persons should advance their opin- 
ions before older ones, with great modesty. 

Oil became scarce, and there was a great 
advance in its price. 

v. n. to go forward. 

David advanced to meet Goliath, trusting 
in God for help. 

As we advance in years, we should ad- 
vance in knowledge and virtue. 

His advancement to the office of judge, was 
a great honor to so young a man. 

Ad van tage, n. something which 
makes superior or better. 

The fine harbor of New York is a great ad- 
vantage to its trade. 

Our common schools furnish many advan- 
tages for getting a good education. 

A good library is very advantageous to a 
place. 

Ad ven ture, n. something which hap- 
pens, or is undertaken, and which 
is uncertain or dangerous. 

Seniors meet with many wonderful adven- 
tures at sea. 

_ General Putnam crept into the cave, shot 
he wolf, and drew it out. It was a bold ad- 
venture. 



15 



AFF 



The men who dive after pearls, are very ad- 
M venturous. 

Ad ver sa ry, n. one who acts against 
another, usually as an enemy. 

The wicked Haman hated the Jews, and 
was a violent adversary to them. 

Ad verse, a. that which opposes. 

The ship made very little progress, for the 
wind was adverse. 

that which brings evil. 

He was poor, sick, and friendless. His 
circumstances were adverse. 

Remember them which are in adversity, and 
do all you can to help them. 

Ad vise, v.'a. to tell a person what he 
had better do. . 

When the Israelites complained that they 
were not well treated, Rehoboam asked the 
old men to advise him what to say. 

The proverbs of Solomon are full of good 
w advice to the young. 

Ad vo cate, n. one who pleads in be- 
half of. 

*M fair, n. something that happens, or 
is done, or is to be done. 

John spent an hour in trying to get a boy to 
take a cent less for his top, than he knew it 
was worth. It was a mean affair. 

The building of the academy was an im- 
portant affair to the whole village. 

The man was idle, and neglected his busi- 
ness. His affairs got into a bad state. 
Af feet, vma. to act upon. 

The close air of the crowded room affected 
me unpleasantly. 

to act upon the feelings. 

The death of Absalom affected David with 
deep grief. 

It was an affecting sight to Xerxes, when he 
looked upon his vast army, and thought how 
soon all the men in it would be dead. 

to try to appear what we are not. 

He was ignorant, but affected to be very 
Jearned. 

The young lady was not simple and natural 
in her manners, she tried to be very polite and 



AFF 

graceful. She was affected. Affectation al- 
ways shows weakness of mind. 

Af fee tion, n. any passion or feeling 
of the mind. 

He is a man of strong affections. When he 
loves, he loves greatly ; when he hates, he 
hates bitterly. 

the strong feeling of attachment 
which relations and friends have 
to each other. 

The affection of Christ for his mother show- 
ed itself, when he was dying on the cross. 

Mary loved to be with her mother, and tried 
to do all she could to please her. She was 
an affectionate child. 

Af firm, v. a. to say strongly that a 
thing is truly so. 

When one who stood near him, affirmed that 
Peter was a follower of Christ, he solemx.ly 
denied it. 

Samuel's affirmation was doubted, because 
he sometimes told falsehoods. 

To say " yes," is to answer in the affirmative. 

Af flict, v. a. to cause continued pain* 
of body, or of mind. 

He has been afflicted with rheumatism for 
a long time. 

When Adam and Eve left the garden of 
Eden, they were much afflicted. 

to vex, trouble, or distress. 

The Egyptians kept the Israelites in bond- 
age, and afflicted them four hundred years. 

Manasseh, the wicked king oMsrael, when 
in deep affliction, humbled himself before God. 

The burning up of the steam-boat, with the 
loss of many lives, was an afflictive event. 

Af ford, v. a. to yield, produce, or give. 

The sun affords light and warmth to the earth. 
The sight of the beautiful lake afforded 
Eliza much pleasure. 

to be able to sell or do a thing with- 
out loss or injury. 

He is rich, and can afford to give much 
money in charity. 

He could not afford the apples for less than 
fifty cents a bushel. 



16 



AGR 



Af front', (af frunt,) v. a. to abuse a 
person to his face, and hurt his 
feelings. 

One man affronted another greatly, by call- 
ing him a liar and a thief. 

We should try to bear affronts with patience. 

A gen cy, n. the putting a thing into 
action, or causing something to be 
done. 

The kettle was put over the fire, and the 
agency of the heat made the water boil. 

The powerful agency of God, causes the 
earth an^ other planets to revolve round the 
sun. 

John led the other boys to do the mischief. 
He was the principal agent in the matter. 

loing business for another. 

A company of men employed others to trade 
for them in South America. The agency was 
a profitable one. 

The merchant sent out an agent to collect 
his debts. 

Ag gress or, n. one who goes up to 
another, and begins to treat him ill. 

In the quarrel between James and Charles, 
James was the most to blame, because he was 
the aggressor. 

The aggressions of the Indians upon the 
whites, was the cause of a war. 

Ag' i tate, (aj i tate,) v. a. to shake 
violently and put in quick motion. 

The wind blew furiously, and agitated the 
waters of the lake. 

He was so angry that he shook all over, and 
was greatly agitated. 

Paul's preaching at Ephesus caused great 
agitation among the people. 

Ag o ny, n. very violent pain. 

Our Saviour's agony of mind in the garden, 
was so distressing as to make his sweat as it 
were great drops of blood. 

A gree, v. n. to be adapted or suited 
to each other. 

Her lungs were weak, and she found that the 
climate of Georgia agreed well with her health. 



AIM 17 

ro think, feel, and act together. 

John wished to study Latin, but his father 
and the schoolmaster agreed in opinion that he 
was too young to do it. 

Samuel agreed with the farmer to work for 
him for ten dollars a month. 

There was much unhappiness in the fam- 
ily ; for there was no agreement between the 
husband and wife. 

An obedient son will conduct agreeably to 
the wishes of his parents. 
A gree a ble, a. adapted or suited to. 

Charles wished to be a merchant, but it was 
not agreeable to the plans of his lather. 

that which is pleasant. 

His conversation is both instructive and 
^ agreeable.. 

Ag ri cul ture, n. ploughing,, sowing, 
getting in the crops, and doing 
what is necessary to make the 
earth produce. It is often used 
to mean the whole business of a 
farmer. 

Aid, v. a. to help a person to do 
something, or to get out of some 
trouble. 

Eliza aided Mary in doing her work, that 
she might get to school in season. 

James found the lesson too hard, and the 
master told Robert to aid him. 

In the war of the Revolution, the French 
_ soldiers came to the aid of the Americans. 

Ail, v. a. to give pain or trouble. 

She looked very pale, and they asked what 
_ ailed her. 

Aim, v. a. to point at, intending to hit. 

He aimed the gun at the bird. 
The master aimed what he said at the boy 
who made the disturbance. 

v. n. to strive and intend to get some- 
thing. 

Napoleon when young aimed to be a great 
man. 

_ The aim of Washington was to do good to 
nis country. 



ALL 

A*r, n. that which we breathe ; a 
tune ; the manner of a person — as, 
he had a very proud air. 

Azr y, a. open to air. 

The house stood on a hill, and was very airy. 

lively, gay. 

She is a light-hearted, airy girl. 

A larm, v. a. to give sudden notice of 
danger. 

The ringing of the bells at midnight for fire, 
alarmed the whole city. 

The man who was watching saw the enemy 
approaching, and gave the alarm. 

A\ lay, v. a. to make quiet, to lessen 
the strength of. 

He ate plentifully, and allayed his hunger. 

The mob were becoming riotous, when the 
mayor addressed them and allayed the disturb- 
ance. 

A mild answer will often allay anger. 

Al le vi ate, v. a. to make lighter and 
easier to be borne. 

The medicine which he took alleviated his 
pain. 

It was quite an alleviation to the sorrow of 
the mother, in parting with her son, that he 
was going to live in a worthy family who 
would take good care of him. 

Al lot, v. a. to parcel out, to give to 
each his part or place. 

When the school was opened, the master 
allotted a seat to each of the scholars. 

Every year, he allotted a part of his money 
to do good with. 

William was directed to cut the wood, and 
John to feed the cattle. William did not like 
this allotment. 

Al low,' v. a. to give leave to. 

God allowed Adam and Eve to eat of the 
fruit of all the trees in the garden, except one. 

to admit, or say willingly that a thing 
is so. 

After I had explained the matter, he allowed 
that what I said was true. 



ALT 



to abate or make a deduction. 

When I paid for the sugar, he allowed for 
the weight of the barrel. 

The master made an allowance for the boy's 
misconduct, because he was young and igno- 
rant, and punished him but little. 

Al hide, v. n. to turn the attention to 
a thing, without saying plainly and 
fully what is meant. 

He did not mention his name, but he spoke 
of him in such a way that I knew to whom he 
alluded. 

In his address, he made so many allusions to 
himself that it was very disagreeable. 

Al lure, v. a. to draw to, gently and 
pleasingly, by the offer of some good. 

The weather was so fine that it allured us 
to take a long walk in the fields. 

The book was so interesting, that he was al- 
lured from page to page till he had finished it. 

The allurements of the theatre, and its 
strong temptations, lead many into wicked 
practices. 

Al ly, v. a. to unite together, as per- 
sons or nations do, for each other's 
advantage. 

Russia, Austria, Prussia, and England, al- 
lied themselves together, to resist the power of 
France. These allies, under Wellington, de- 
feated the French at the battle of Waterloo. 

David and Jonathan formed an alliance of 
friendship. 

Al might' y, (al mite' y,) a. able to do 
every thing that can be done. 

No being is almighty but God. 

Alms, (amz,) n. any thing given to 
help the poor. 

Our Saviour said ; " Do not your alms be- 
'fore men, to be seen of them." 

Al' tar, (al tar,) n. the place on which 
sacrifices or offerings, to the true 
God, or to false gods, were made. 

When Paul was at Athens, he saw there an 
altar on which was this inscription ; To the 
unknown God. 



18 AME 

Al' ter, (al ter,) v. a. to make persons 
or things different from what they 
were before. 

William's mother altered his coat, so as to 
make it fit John. 

The advice of his father led him to alter his 
conduct and do better. 

There is no alteration in his disease ; he 
continues quite ill. 

A mass, v. a. to bring together and 
make a great deal of. 

Within a few years, he has amassed wealth 
to a vast amount, and is the richest man in 
the city. 

Bacon thought and studied much, and thus 
amassed wonderful stores of knowledge. 

A maze, v. a. to bewilder or confuse 
the mind with something fearful, 
surprising, or astonishing. 

When Sarah first saw the bright northern 
lights, she did not know what they were. She 
almost thought the heavens were on fire. The 
sight amazed her. 

When Christ healed the man that was sick 
of the palsy, the people " were all amazed — 
and were filled with fear, saying, we nave 
seen strange things to-day." 

We are filled with amazement at the power 
of God, when we think of the number of the 
stars, their size, and distance. 
Am bi' tion, (am bish un), n. a strong 
desire to be better or greater than 
one now is, or to rise above others. 

Frank wrote a good hand, but he strove 
daily to improve ; for he had an ambition to 
write as well as the copy. 

The ambition of Themistocles, a young 
Athenian, was so great, that when he saw the 
honors that had been bestowed on Miltiades, a 
brave general, he said, they would not suffer 
' him to sleep. 

Alexander the Great was a very ambitious 
man, and wept when he thought that he had 
no more worlds to conquer. 

A mend, v. a. to make better, to re- 
move errors or faults. 



AMU 

He was often admonished by his friends, 
but would not amend his conduct. 

The first edition of the book contained a few 
errors. The second edition was amended. 

The boys wished to have some of the rules 
of the school altered, but the master said 
they were all necessary, and he could make 
no amendment. 

A mends, n. something which is 
given or done to make up for an 
injury or loss. 

Edward accidentally broke the slate of the 
boy who sat next to him, and made amends for 
it by giving him his own. 

A mi a ble, a. that in the mind which 
makes a person worthy of being 
loved. 

She is kind, affectionate, and obliging. She 
has a very amiable disposition. 

A mount', v. n. to come up to by de- 
grees, or by adding one thing to 
another. 

He spent six cents a day for cigars, and 
was surprised to find that, at the end of twenty 
years, it had amounted to four hundred and 
thirty-eight dollars. 

He said one thing after another against the 
plan, but it all amounted to very little. 

He has paid off the whole amount of his 
debts. 

Am phib i ous, a. able to live either 
in air or water ; as frogs, beavers, 
and crocodiles. 
Am pie, a. large enough in space and 
quantity. 

He has a large family, but his house is of 
ample size for their accommodation. 

The college has a well chosen and ample 
library. 

A muse, v. a. to keep the mind 
pleased by drawing its attention to 
something agreeable. 

A father told his children interesting stories 
to amuse them. 



19 ANI 

We were made to live for something more 
w than mere amusement. 

An ces tor, n. Richard had a father 
and mother ; and they had their 
fathers and mothers ; and these 
had their fathers and mothers, and 
so on. All these persons, from 
whom Richard is descended, ex- 
cepting his father and mother, are 
his ancestors. His ancestry, so far 
back as we know, is very respect- 
able. 

An cient, a. that which was a very 
long time ago. 

In ancient times, cities were surrounded by 
high and strong walls. 

The Bible is the most ancient of all books. 

An ec dote, n. some one thing that 
is told in the way of a story, and 
which is short, interesting, and 
striking. 

His conversation is full of instructive and 
amusing anecdotes. 

An' guish, (ang gwish,) n. violent 
pain. 

A man was pressed to the ground by a 
heavy tree which had fallen upon him ; and 
he lay there in great anguish before any one 
came to help him. 

When Hagar saw her son Ishmael nearly 
dying for thirst in the wilderness, her heart 
^ was full of anguish. 

An i mal, n. that which lives, feels 
and can move of itself. 

Adam gave names to all the animals which 
God had created. 

Of all animals man only has the power of 
w speech. 

An i mal, a. that which belongs or 
relates to animals. 

Some persons eat no animal food ; they live 
wholly on vegetables, bread, and such things. 



ANN 

We have a body, which is our animal na- 
ture, and a soul, which is our spiritual na- 
M ture. 

An i mate, v. a. to give life and ac- 
tivity to. . 

The master promised the boys a holiday, 
which animated them much in their studies. 

The long voyage had disheartened the sai- 
lors, when Columbus animated them again to 
new exertions, by telling them he saw signs 
that land was near. 

The preacher spofce in a very animated and 
interesting manner. 

The whole city was full of joy and anima- 
tion on the arrival of LaFayette. 

An nex, v. a. to join to the end of a 
thing. 

He wrote a 'history, to which he annexed 
an appendix. 

The penalty of death is annexed to the law 
against murder. 

to join a small thing to a greater. 

He gave his son fifty acres of land, to which 
he afterwards annexed a small pasture. 

An ni ver sa ry, n. a day returning 
at the same time yearly, on which 
something remarkable happened 
that is kept in mind by a public 
celebration. 

The fourth of July is the anniversary of 
American independence. 

An nounce', v. a. to tell openly, to 
make known in a public manner. 

The arrival of the Governor was announ- 
ced by the ringing of the bells. 

Angels were sent from heaven to announce 
the birth of Christ. 

An noy', v. a. to continue to vex or 
trouble. 

The musketoes were very numerous and 
annoyed us much. 

His sleep did not refresh him, he was so 
annoyed by unpleasant dreams. 

He came so often to our room when we 
wished to study, that it was a great annoy- 



20 



ANT 



"An nu al, a. that which returns every 
year. 

The passover among the Jews, was an an 
nual feast. 

The Congress of the United States meets 
annually. 

not living over to the next year. 

Most of the vegetables in our gardens are 
annual. 
An mil, v. a. to make a thing as 
though it had never been. 

Two men made a bargain about some land, 
which they were afterwards sorry they had 
made, and both agreed to annul it. 

It was forbidden among the ancient Med°s 
and Persians, for the Kings ever to annul their 
decrees. 

An' swer, (an' ser,) v. a. to speak or 
write back to the person who makes 
an inquiry. 

It is impolite not to answer a proper ques- 
tion. 

Letters on business ought to be answered 
as soon as possible. 

to speak or write in defense of. 

When Paul was accused and stood before 
Felix, he. said that he answered the more 
cheerfully, because Felix had long been a 
judge among the Jews. 

to suit or be fit for. 

The ark which Noah built, answered admi- 
rably the purpose for which it was made. 

v. n. to be accountable to. 

When James broke the window on purpose, 
Robert told him he would have to answer to 
the man that owned the house for doing it. 

Even he who had but one talent given to 
him, was answerable for his use of it. 

An tag o nist, n. one who contends 

with another. 
An tic, a. odd, wild, full of strange 

tricks. 

They had a monkey in the ship who was so 
antic that he amused the sailors very much. 

Ari tic' i pate, (an tis i pate,) v* a. to 



ANX 

take or do a thing before another 
can. 

Two men wished to buy a certain field. One 
of them went to the owner for that purpose, 
but found that the other had anticipated him 
by buying it only a few minutes before. 

to take or do a thing before the time. 

The nurse, wishing to go away, gave the 
medicine at two. o'clock which the physician 
told her to give at threat. She did wrong to 
anticipate the time. 

to see and feel a coming good or evil 
beforehand. 

Some persons are so unwise as to make 
themselves very unhappy by anticipating trouble. 

A pious man often enjoys much of the hap- 
piness of heaven by anticipation. 

An tip a thy, n. so strong and fixed 
a dislike to a thing, as to lead 
a person, at once, to abhor and 
shun it. 

Persons have been known to have such an 
antipathy to a cat, as to faint away at the sight 
of one. 

An tiq' ui ty, (an tiq we ty,) n. an- 
cient times. 

The temple of Solomon was one of the most 
costly and beautiful buildings of antiquity. 

what was made in ancient times, and 
still continues. 

The pyramids of Egypt are among the most 
remarkable antiquities. 

Anx' i e ty, (angz i e ty,) n. great 
trouble or care about something 
uncertain, or future. 

When Joseph was sent to inquire after his 
brethren, and did nbt return, Jacob had much 
anxiety about him. 

When the mother heard of the loss of the 
ship, she felt very anxious with regard to her 
son, lest he might not have been saved from 
the wreck. 

being very careful. 

A good man had several orphan children left 



21 APP 

to his charge, and felt much anxiety to do his 
duty towards them. 

Jane seems always to be anxious to please 
her mother. 

A pol o gize, v. n. when a person has 
done wrong, or is thought to have 
done wrong, to give an excuse or 
reason, to show why he ought not 
to be blamed, or to be blamed less 
than he is. 

I took a letter out of the post-office and care- 
lessly opened it. I apologized to the person 
to whom it was directed. 

He made an apology for coming late to din- 
ner. 

A pos tie, n. a person sent to do some 
important business, and especially 
one whom Christ sent out to preach 
the Gospel. 

Our Saviour chose twelve of his disciples to 
be his apostles. 

Ap pall, v. a. to dishearten and make 
pale wjth great fear. 

We read in the Book of Job, that when a 
spirit passed before Eliphaz in the visions of 
the night, fear and trembling came upon him, 
which made all- his bones to shake, and the 
hair of his flesh to stand up. He was greatly 
appalled. 

Ap pa rent, a. that which can easily 
be seen. 

Her love of praise is very apparent. 

that which is not, but only seems 
to be. 

As we were sailing down the river in a 
steam-boat, the trees on the shore seemed to 
move rapidly by us. But they really did not. 
Their motion was only apparent. 

The accounts which the two boys gave were 
thought at first to be very different, but when 
they explained the matter it was found that 
the contradiction was only apparent, and that 
they agreed. 

Ap peal, v. n. to call upon one or more 



APP 



22 



APP 



for an opinion or declaration con- 
cerning something, expecting that 
it will be in our favor. 

His account of what happened was doubted, 
and he appealed to several who were there at 
the time, to say whether he had not told the 
truth. 

The lawyer's appeal to the jury in behalf of 
the prisoner, was very eloquent and affecting. 

v. a. to carry a cause from one court 
of justice to a higher one. 

The case was appealed to the Supreme 
Court of the United States. 

Ap pear, v. n. to be in sight. 

The fog broke suddenly away, and the sun 
appeared. 

The trees were covered with ice, sparkling 
like diamonds, and had a most beautiful ap- 
pearance. 

to seem to be what it is not. 

A fly seen through a microscope appears to 
be much larger than it really is. 

Ap pen dix, n. something added, usu- 
ally to a book at its end. 

Robertson's History of Scotland has a 
w valuable appendix. 

Ap pe tite, n. the desire of, or long- 
ing after, that which is good or 
pleasant. 

A healthy child has a strong appetite for food. 
The appetite for tobacco which many have, 
is not a natural one. 

He has a strong appetite for distinction. 
We should learn to govern our appetites. 

Ap plaud, v. a. to give praise to, often 
in a strong and loud manner, as by 
clapping and shouting. 

It is much more common in England than 
in this country, to applaud those who speak 
in public. 

Men often bestow their applauses, to-day, 
upon those whom they will hiss, to-morrow. 

Ap ply, v. a. to put one thing to 
another. 



The physician applied cold water to the 
bruise, and the swelling soon abated. 

If you wish to get a lesson well, you must 
apply your mind closely to it. 

His health was injured by too long and se- 
vere application to business. 

v. n. to suit or fit. 

The anecdotes which he told were well cho- 
sen ; they applied to the subject. . . 

He was addressing young children, but 
many of the remaps which he made were 
more applicable to older persons than to 
them. 

to ask something from one. 

The lame man at the gate of the temple, 
applied to Peter and John for alms. 

There were many applicants for admission 
into school, but only a few could be received. 

Ap point', v. a. to fix upon. 

Mr. Jones appointed Saturday afternoon to 
take his children to ride. 

The master went out of the school, and ap- 
pointed Edw r ard to be monitor while he was 
gone. 

The people were much pleased with his ap- 
■p ointment as post-master. 

Ap pre ciate, v. a. to think of or re- 
gard a thing as worth just what it 
really is. 

If men appreciated, as they ought, the good 
which the Sabbath might do them, they would 
keep it better. 

Ap pre hend, v. a. to catch or seize a 
person accused of doing wrong. 

The man charged with theft fled into the 
woods, but was soon apprehended. 

to catch the meaning of. 

He could not speak English, but I appre 
hended from the motions which he made, that 
he wanted food. 

Jane easily and clearly understands what 
she reads. She has a quick apprehension. 

to think that a thing is probably so. 
He is sick, but I apprehend he will soon 
recover. 

to have some fear of. 

The captain of the ship apprehended that a 



AQU 

storm was approaching, and had every thing 
put in order to meet it. 

Her mother is very apprehensive that she 
may have the consumption. 

Ap pren tice, n. one who goes to live 
with another for the sake of learn- 
ing a trade. 

The apprentice is usually bound to work 
for the master, tor a certain number of years ; 
and the master is bound to provide for him, 
and to instruct him in his trade. 

Ap prise, v. a. to tell a person of 
something which he ought soon to 
know, 

Paul's nephew apprised the Roman gover- 
nor, that more than forty men had banded to- 
gether to kill Paul. 

Ap proach, v. n. to come, or go near. 

The boys saw the cars on the rail-road ap- 
proaching rapidly, and got out of the way. 

At the approach of winter, many birds fly 
from a colder to a warmer climate. 
Ap prove, v. a. to like or be pleased 
with. 

I do not approve his plan of sending his son 
to sea. 

The approbation of God is better than the 
praise ot men. 

to speak of something as right or good. 

The master approved the conduct of Sam- 
uel before the whole school. 

Apt, a. fit, or suited to. 

His address at the meeting was full of apt 
remarks. 

to be in danger of, or exposed to. 

An empty barrel left in the sun, is apt to 
become leaky. 

inclined to. 

Robert is much too apt to laugh at little 
things. 

quick, ready. 

He makes rapid progress in his studies. 
He is a very apt scholar. 

Aq' ue duct, (ak we duct,) n. a con- 
veyance made for carrying water. 



23 ARM 

Ar' bi tra ry, (ar bi tra ry,) a. acting 
or done without any fixed law and 
according to mere will. 

He was so arbitrary in his conduct, that he 
found it difficult to get persons to work for him. 

His government of his family was very ar- 
bitrary, and at one time he would punish se- 
verely what he would take no notice of at 
another. 

Arch, (arch,) n. part of a circle, and 
not more than one half. — a part of 
a building, or bridge, made in that 
form. 

Arch (arch,) a. chief, when used as 
the first part of a compound word ; 
as arch-bishop. — cunning and play- 
fully roguish. 

He is an arch boy, and makes a great deal 
of sport among his playmates. 

Ar' dor, (ar dor,) n. strong and warm 
feeling. 

Peter's ardor led him to say that he would 
lay down his life for Christ's sake ; yet he 
soon after denied him. 

Though the two friends have not seen e«ch 
other for a long time, their attachment is as ar- 
dent as ever. 

Ar' gue, (ar gu,) v. n. to try to show 
by reasoning that a thing is so. 

Charles wished to be a sailor. He tried to 
make his father think that it was best. He 
used one reason after another. He argued 
a long time with his father, but did^^jt get his 
consent. 

The Bible is show T n to be true by a great 
many strong arguments. 

We expected a lively and entertaining ad- 
dress, but it was rather argumentative and dull. 

Arm, (arm,) n. a limb of the body. — a 
narrow branch of the sea, running 
up into the land. — might, power ; 
as the arm of God, meaning the 
power of God. 



ARR 

Ar' mor, (ar mor,) n. that which was 
worn in ancient times to defend 
the body in battle. 

A rouse', v. a. to wake suddenly from 
sleep. 

As the enemy were approaching, the cack- 
ling of a goose aroused the soldiers and saved 
the city of Rome. 

to stir up to activity. 

The news of the battle of Lexington soon 
spread through the country, and aroused 
the Americans to resistance against the 
British. 

Ar range, v. a. to put in proper order. 

Frank spent a day in helping his father ar- 
range the books in the library. 
to adjust, to- settle. 

They have arranged the matter so that their 
disputes are at an end, and they are now as 
good friends as ever. 

The arrangements for the meeting were so 
well made, that all were accommodated. 

Ar ray, v. a. to arrange in regular 
lines, as soldiers before a battle. 

When the army was arrayed, the general 
addressed his troops, and led them on to the 

attack. 

to dress in a beautiful and rich man- 
ner. 

Our Saviour says of the lilies, " that Solo- 
mon in all his glory was not arrayed like one 
of these." 

Ar rest, v. a. to stop the motion of. 

ThejAad not sailed far up the river, when 
a sand-Bank arrested their progress. 

to take or seize a person by order of 
a public officer. 

The judge ordered the sheriff to arrest the 
man who behaved badly in the court -room, 
and take him to prison. 
to call off the attention from other 
things, and fix it strongly upon one 
thing. 

While examining the beautiful flowers in 



24 ART 

the garden, my attention was arrested by the 
sound of distant music. 

Ar rive, v. n. to come to a certain 
place. 

The ship arrived at New York after a quick 
passage from Liverpool. 

The missionaries, on their arrival at the 
Sandwich Islands, found that the people had 
already begun to give up their idols. 

Art, (art), n. the ability to do some- 
thing skillfully which we have ac- 
quired by practice, and which was 
not born with us. 

Charles has the art of writing well. When 
he was four years old he could not write at all. 

a set of particular directions, or rules, 
to show how to do something in a 
certain way, and which may be 
followed without understanding the 
reason of them; as the art of weav- 
ing, the art of watch-making, the 
art of music. 

The art of printing was not known in an- 
cient times. 

the doing of something cunningly, 
and not in an open and direct way. 

• The serpent used much art in tempting Eve 
to eat of the forbidden fruit. 

He seemed to be a frank and honest man, 
but yet was very artful. 

A beggar pretended to be poor, sick, and 
lame. He deceived the people, and was so 
artful that he got a good deal of money. 

The little girl pleased every body, her man- 
ners were so artless. 

Ar' ti fice, (ar ti fis,) n. something 
done to mislead and deceive. 

The prisoner dressed himself in his wife's 
clothes, who was admitted to visit him, and by 
this artifice escaped. 

Ar ti fi' cial, (ar ti fish al,) a. made 
by art. 
The rose on her bonnet is artificial, but you 



ASS 

can hardly tell it from one that grows on a 
bush. 

Art' ist, (art ist,) n. one who is well 
skilled in an art ; as a musician, a 
painter, a sculptor, and the like. 

As cer tain, v. a. to find out certainly 
what a thing is concerning which 
there had been doubt. 

They examined the hand-writing on the 
bank-note, and ascertained that it was coun- 
terfeit. 

By sailing down the river Niger, Lander 
ascertained where it emptied. 

As crlbe, v. a. to say that one thing is 
.the e fleet of another. 

The man became crazy. His friends ascri- 
bed his insanity to the loss of property, when, 
in truth, intemperance was the cause of it. 

to say that something belongs to a 
person or thing in such a way that 
they cannot be separated. 

It is strange that the heathen can ascribe 
any power to the gods of wood or stone which 
they have made with their own hands. 

The angels in heaven delight in the ascrip- 
M tion of greatness and goodness to God. 

As pect, n. look or appearance. 

A lion when angry has a terrible aspect. 
The aspect of the rising sun is bright and 
cheerful. 

placed so that one may see in a par- 
ticular way. 

The windows of the parlor have a western 
aspect. 

As pire, v. n. to pant after something 
higher, to desire eagerly. 

William aspired to be among the best schol- 
ars in the school. 

Absalom aspired to be king of Israel instead 
of his father. 

As sail, v. a. to attack or fall upon 
suddenly and violently. 

The mob assailed the house with great fury, 
and broke the windows. 



25 ASS 

One man assailed another in the newspaper, 
and wrote against him very bitterly. 

The soldiers rushed out of the fort, and 
drove back the assailants with great slaughter. 

As sas sin, n. one who kills another 
secretly and by surprise. 

As sault, v. a. to assail, or attack vio- 
lently. 

The Bastile, a strong prison in Paris, was 
assaulted by the mob, and torn down to the 
ground. 

As sem ble, v. a. to bring together 
into one place. 

Jacob, just before his death, assembled his 
children around his bed, and gave them his 
blessing. 

v. n. to come together. . 

The Israelites in the wilderness were accus- 
tomed to assemble at the sound of the trumpet. 

There was a great assembly of people at his 
funeral. 

As sent, v. n. not to contradict, but to 
own that a thing is true. 

Eliza assented to the truth of what her mo- 
ther had been told about her misconduct. 

We should give our hearty assent to all that 
God teaches us in the Bible. 

As sert, v. a. to say positively that a 
thing is so. 

He was charged with theft, but strongly as- 
serted his innocence. He was so bad a man, 
however, that his assertions were not believed. 

to defend a right to a thing. 

Samuel tried to get John's seat from him, 
but he asserted his right to it and would not 
let him take it. 

As sign, v. a. to mark out for a par- 
ticular person or purpose. 

He assigned the prize for the best speaking 
to Charles. 

He failed in business, and assigned his 
property to Mr. Jones for the benefit of his 
• creditors. 

Julia assigned as a reason for being late at 
school, that her mother sent heron an errand. 



ASS 



As sist, v. a. to stand by and aid a 
person. 

Aaron and Hur assisted Moses in holding 
up his hands, while the Israelites were fight- 
ing with the Amalekites. 

Emma rendered great assistance to her mo- 
ther in taking care of her sick sister. 

The master had a school of one hundred, 
without any assistant. 

As so ciate, v. a. to join together in 
company. 

The father associated his son with him in 
business. 

v. n. to be frequently in company 
with. 

If you associate with the wicked, you will 
be in great danger of being like them. 

A boy was- so selfish and proud, that he 
could get no one to be an associate with him. 

A number of men formed a charitable associ- 
ation for aiding the poor. 

As sort, v. a. to sort or arrange into 
classes things which are like each 
other, or which are used together. 

After opening his bales of goods, the mer- 
chant and' his clerks assorted them, and put 
them on the different shelves. 

You will find all that you want at his shop, 
for he has a large assortment. 

As sume, v. a. to take upon one's 
self. 

When Nebuchadnezzar became like a 
beast, his son Evil-merodach assumed the 
government. 

He assumed the debts of his friend and 
agreed to pay them. 

to take to one's self unjustly or im- 
properly. 

The crew rose against the captain, and as- 
sumed the command of the ship. 

As sum ing, a. acting as if superior 
* to others, and having a right to 
more than they. 

He is young and knows but little, yet he is 
very assuming among his associates. 



26 ATT 

As sure, (ash shur,) v. a. to assert 
a thing in order to have another feel 
sure that it is so. 

When Peter stood at the gate, after being de- 
livered from prison by the angel, the maid who 
knew his voice ran in, and assured those who 
were in the house that he was really there. 

As su ranee, (ash shu ranee,) n. the 
asserting of a thing in order to have 
another feel sure that it is so. 

He has given me the strongest assurances 
of his friendship. 

the being sure of a thing. 

His book was but little thought of while he 
lived, but he had a firm assurance that it 
would be appreciated after his death. 

want of modesty, the being too bold 
and assuming. 

He has so much assurance in his manners, 
that it makes him very disagreeable. 

As ton ish, v. a. to strike and con- 
found the mind suddenly with 
something fearful or wonderful. 

When the Israelites saw the sun stand still 
at the command of Joshua, they must have 
been greatly as1 onished. 

He was filled with astonishment, when he 
_ first saw the ocean. 

A the ist, n. one who thinks there is 

no God. 
A tone, v. a. to make amends for. 

The boy lost much time in useless sport, 
and is now striving to atone for it by studying 
hard. 

to do or suffer that which gets for of- 
fenders the pardon and favor of the 
person against whom they offend. 

The Lord Jesus Christ came into our world, 
to atone for our sins, and through his atonement 
we may have peace with God. 

At tach, v. a. to seize or take by law, 
the body, or property of a person, 
usually to answer for debt 



ATT 27 

All his goods have been attached, and his 
shop is shut up. 

to bind closely to one in kind and 
friendly feeling. 

There was a good little girl to whom every- 
body was attached, and they loved her be- 
cause she loved every body. 

The attachment of a dog to his master is 
often very strong and affecting. 

to tie or fasten one thing to another. 

Edward attached a long tail to his kite. 

At tack, v. a. to fall upon a person or 
thing with violence, intending to 
do an injury. 

The English, under Captain Mason, attack- 
ed the fort of the Pequod Indians, very early 
in the morning, and destroyed it. 

The large boys made a shameful attack upon 
the smaller ones, and drove them from the 
play-ground. 

At tain, v. a. to reach after and get a 
thing by effort. 

Demosthenes labored hard to be a great 
orator, and he attained his object. 
v. n. to reach or arrive at by effort. 

Stephen Girard was a poor boy, but by in- 
dustry and enterprise he attained to great 
wealth. 

He is a self-taught man. His attainments 
are wonderful. He understands twenty dif- 
ferent languages. 

At tempt, v. a. to try to do something, 
to set about a thing in order to ac- 
complish it. 

Soon after the flood, men attempted to build 
the tower of Babel, the top of which might 
reach to heaven ; but the Lord defeated their 
attempt. 

At tend, v. a. to go or be with, usually 
to help or serve. 

Charles was too young to go to school 
alone ; so his older brother attended him to 
see that he got there safe. 

The sick man was attended by a kind nurse. 

Paii^ and weakness usually attend old age. 



AUT 
to be present at. 

A great many persons attended the meetmsr. 

All the scholars- were in attendance at the 
opening of the school. 

The king was surrounded by numerous at- 
tendants richly dressed. 

v. n. to turn the mind to, or to fix it 
upon a thing. 

David besought the Lord to attend to his cry. 

He attends well to his business, and every 
body is willing to trust him. 

You must not expect to excel in any thing 
without close attention. 

Though Jane was a little girl, she was at- 
tentive to the sermon, and could, iellagreat 
deal about it when she got home. 

At tract, v. a. to draw towards. 

The load-stone attracts the needle. 

The show of the wild animals attracted 
many persons to see it. 

The school-mistress attracts the children 
to her by her kindness. They love her very 
much. 

The amusement of skating is very attractive 
to boys. 

A stone thrown into the air is made to fall 
down by the earth's attraction. 

At trib ute, v. a. to say that one thing 
is caused by another. 

The loss of the ship was attributed to the in 
temperance of the captain. 

to say that something belongs to a 
person or thing in such a way that 
they cannot be separated. 

Great wisdom is attributed to Alfred, king 
of England, in governing his people. 

At'tri bute, n. something that insep- 
arably belongs to a person or 
thing. 

To give out light is an attribute of the sun. 
Omniscience, or to know all things, is one of 
the attributes of God. 

Au' thor, (au thor,) n. one who causes 
a thing to be which was not 
before. 



AVA 



28 AWA 



God created all worlds. He is the author of 
the universe. 

the beginner or first mover. 

It was said throughout the city that the 
President was dead. It was a false story, 
and the author of it could not be found out. 

one who writes or composes. 

De Foe was the author of Robinson Crusoe. 

one whose business is to write books. 

There are many more authors in England 
than in America. 

A.u thor i ty, n. power to command, 
or to act, which is received in a 
proper and rightful way. 

The authority which a parent has over his 
children comes from God. 

A captain has authority, by law, to make 
the sailors do the work of a ship. 

The wisdom, age, and piety of the prophet 
Samuel gave him great authority with the 
people. 

The Bible is a book of divine authority. 
We should believe and obey it. 

Au' thor ize, (au thor ize,) v. a. to 
give authority to. 

God authorized Moses to lead the Israel- 
ites out of Egypt to Canaan. 

The watchmen are authorized to take up 
those who make a disturbance at night. 

He said the report did not come from him ; 
it was false, and he never authorized it. 

A vail, v. a. to be of use to, or to 
turn to advantage. 

He told many falsehoods, but they did not 
avail him. He was found out and punished. 

The honors of Haman availed him nothing, 
he was so envious of Mordecai. 

I availed myself of his kind offer to give me 
letters of introduction to his friends. 

v. n. to be of use. 

He took a voyage to sea, but it did not avail 
to restore him to health. 

The farmer tried many ways of killing the 
worms, but they were all of no avail. 

Av a rice, n. a greedy and excessive 
desire after money. 



His avarice is so great that it leads him to 
be dishonest. 

An avaricious man is usually mean and de- 
spised. 

A venge, v. a. to punish justly for a - 
wrong or injury done. 

Our Saviour tells us of a widow who often 
went to an unjust judge asking him to avenge 
her of her adversary. 

A verse, a. turning away from with 
dislike. 

He is averse to study, and never will make 
a good scholar. 

Very wicked men have a strong aversion to 
reading the Bible. 

A vert, v. a. to turn away from. 

He averted his eyes from the sight, it was so 
painful. 

to turn aside or keep off. 

When Sennacherib threatened to attack Je- 
rusalem, the Lord averted the danger by de- 
stroying his army. 
A void', v.' a. to get away and keep 
at a distance from. 

Solomon says ; " Enter not into the path of 
the wicked, — avoid it. Pass not by it. Turn 
from it and pass away." 

A vow', v. a. to declare openly with- 
out fear or shame. 

Samuel was among some wicked young 
men who laughed at the Bible, but he was not 
at all afraid to avow his belief in it. 

He felt that he was innocent, and made a 
frank avowal of all that he did. 

A wait, v. a. to look for, to expect. 

John stood at the door, and awaited the 
approach of the stage coach which was to 
carry him home. 

He was told that he could not live long, 
and awaited the hour of his death with great 
ealmness. 

to be laid up for, to be ready for. 

Wherever LaFayette went, as he passed 
through the United States, honors awaited 
him. 

A ware, a. knowing beforehand that 



BAP 

something may happen, and which 
we ought to be prepared to meet. 

Nehemiahwas aware that Sanballat intend- 
ed to attack the Jews, and commanded the 
people to be armed while they were at work 
on the walls. 

Awe, (awe,) n. the feeling of deep 
reverence and fear caused by 
something great and terrible. 

We should stand in awe of God, and sin not ; 
for he is " God of gods, and Lord of lords." 

The lava poured forth from the volcano, and 
buried the city. It was an awful sight. 

Awk' ward, (awk ward,) a. bungling, 
not using the hands or tools skill- 
fully and well. 

Frank has a very awkward way of hold- 
ing his pen, and I fear he will never make a 
good writer. 

moving the body and limbs in a dis- 
agreeable and ungraceful manner. 

He was very awkward in coming into the 
room, in bowing to the company, and in ta- 
king his seat. 



B. 



"Dack bite, v. a. to speak evil of a 

person who is not present. 

Badge, n. a mark worn by a person 

to distinguish him in some way. 

A piece of black crape on the arm is a 
badge of mourning ; it shows that the per- 
son who wears it has lost a friend. 

The medal which hangs from Jane's neck 
is a badge of merit ; it shows that she has 
been a good girl at school. 

Baf fie, v. a. to hinder or confuse one, 
so. that he cannot do what he 
wishes to do. 

The wind blew so violently from the shore, 
that it baffled all the attempts of the captain 
to get his ship into the harbor, and he was 
obliged to put out again to sea. 



29 BAN 

The fox ran this way and that, and crossed 
the brook so many times, that the dogs lost 
the scent and could not find his track. He 
completely baffled them. 

Bal ance, v. a. to make the two sides 
of a pair of scales hang even. — 
to make two accounts equal by 
paying the difference between 
them. 

•John owed Robert ten cents for a top ; imd 
Robert owed John four cents for some mar- 
bles. John paid Robert six cents, and the ac- 
count was balanced. 

v. n. to be looking at what is best on 
one side, and on the other side, 
without coming to a choice. 

When the prisoner was let out of jail, he 
was seen standing in the road along time and 
balancing which way he should go. 

Bale ful, a. causing great sorrow or 
injury. 

The evils caused by intemperance are many 
and baleful. 

Ba/k, v. a. to hinder or keep one- 
from doing a thing. 

He was balked by the floating ice in 
all his attempts to get the boat across the 
river. 

Ba/m y, a. soft and pleasant to the 
feelings. 

I waiked out in the fields on a fine May 
morning, and breathed the sweet, balmy air. 

After a long season of wakefulness, the 
sick man fell into a gentle, balmy slumber. 

Band, n. that which binds or ties 
things together. 

Edward bound his books together with a 
leathern band, to carry them to school. 

a company of persons joined and 
acting together. # 

Cornelius commanded a hundred Roman 
soldiers, called " the Italian band." 

The robbers banded together, and caused 
great alarm among the people. 



BAR 



30 



BAR 



LJ 



Bane, n. a dangerous poison ; that 
which injures or destroys. 

Arsenic, a very poisonous thing, is a bane 
used to kill rats. 

Gambling has been the bane of many young 
men. 

To use opium, as the Turks and the Chi- 
nese do, is a hateful practice. 

Ban ish, v. a. to drive one from his 
home and country, by authority of 
the government. 

A Greek being asked why he voted to banish 
Aristides, replied ; " I do not even know him, 
but it vexes me to hear him every where call- 
ed the Just." Three years afterwards, when 
Xerxes, the Persian king, came to attack 
the Greeks with a large army, they feared 
that Aristides might join the enemy, and they 
called him back from his banishment. 

to drive away from. 

It is unwise to try to banish from our 
minds the thought that we must die. 

Ban ner, n. a flag used by soldiers, 
or by ships of war, and sometimes 
when people walk together on 
public occasions. 

The banner was raised to the top of the 
staff, and could be seen at a great distance. 

Ban ter, v. a. to laugh at and make 
sport of a person in a joking, and 
sometimes in a severe way* 

John bantered Edward one day about his 
manner of walking. He said he waddled just 
like a duck. 

Bar, 7i. a piece of wood or iron used 
to fasten a door or gate, or in some 
other way to keep people from en- 
tering a place. 

Samson at midnight took the gate of the 
city of Gaza, and the two posts on his shoul- 
ders, bar and all, and went away with them. 

a bank of sand, or earth, in a river or 
harbor, which it is difficult for ves- 
sels to pass over. 



They took a pilot on board, to conduct the 
ship safely round the sand-bar. 

any thing which interrupts or hinders 
greatly. 

He might have got along very successfully 
in his business, but his indolence was a 
great bar to it. 

Bar ba rous,«. those people are called 
barbarous, or barbarians, who have 
no books and who do not write. 
They live a little better than the 
savages do. They get some food 
by agriculture, and some of them 
keep cattle and flocks of sheep. 
They have a few tools and know 
how to use them. They are far 
below civilized people. 

When Paul, on the island of Melita, shook 
off, without having received any harm, the 
viper which had fastened on his hand, the bar- 
barians who saw it said that he was a god. 

very cruel. 

He was a barbarous man, to whip his poor 
horse so when the load was too heavy for him 
to draw. 

Bar gain, n. the agreement which 
persons make about the price of 
something which is sold, or done. 

In making bargains, take care to be strictly 
honest, and to do to others as you would 
have others do to you. 

Bar ren, a. not bringing forth, not 
producing. 

The tree has abundance of leaves, but no 
fruit has ever grown upon it. It is barren. 

Arabia is full of sandy, barren deserts. 

He cannot read or write. He does not 
love to think much. What he. says has very 
little meaning. He has a barren mind. 

Bar ri er, n. something put in a place 
to hinder persons from going any 
further. 
The soldiers cut down the tall trees, so 



BEA 

that they fell across the road, and formed a 
barrier to the approach of the enemy. 

The great wall of China was built as a bar- 
rier to keep off the attacks of the Tartars. 

Bar ter, v. a. to exchange one thing 
for another in the way of trade. 

Frank was a foolish boy, he bartered away 
a pretty, new book for some sugar candy. 

If we had no money it would be very in- 
convenient, for we should have to do all our 
trading by barter. 

Base, n. the bottom of a thing, or that 
part of it on which it stands. 

The base of the largest pyramid in Egypt, 
covers about thirteen acres of ground. 

Base, a. very low, mean, and vile. 

The conduct of Judas in betraying Christ, 
was exceedingly base. 

Bash ful, a. very modest with a down- 
cast look, fearing to speak and act 
before others. 

Eliza was a bashful little girl. When her 
mother had company, she was afraid to come 
into the room ; but it was better for her to be' 
too bashful than too bold. 

Bask, v. n. to lie s« as to be receiv- 
ing; heat. 

Early in the spring, the snakes crawl out 
from their holes, and love to bask in the sun. 

Beach, n. the flat, sandy shore of the 
sea, or a lake. 

The beach was so smooth and hard, that 
they rode on it in carriages for several miles. 

Bea con, n. something placed high, 
so as to be easily seen, to give 
warning of danger. 

Light-houses are erected all along our 
coast as beacons, so that the sailors may see 
them in the dark night, and know which is 
the safe course for the ship to take. 

Beam, n. a large piece of timber pre- 
pared for use. — a long, straight line 
of light coming from the sun, or 
from some other body which shines. 



31 BEC 



The sun is ninety-five millions of fnileg 
from the earth, and yet its beams reach us in 
about eight minutes. 

v. n. to give out beams of light. 

Though the sun has been beaming nearly 
six thousand years, it has lost none of its 
brightness. How great must be the God who 
made it. 

Bear, v. a. to bring forth, to produce. 

Fig-trees in a warm climate bear fruit sev- 
eral times each year. 

to carry from one place to another. 

In the East, the attendants of rich men 
bear them on their shoulders in palanquins. 

to be strong and patient under suffer- 
ing. 

Job bore his great afflictions so well, that 
the Bible speaks of him as a striking exam- 
ple of patience. 

Beau ti ful, a. that which is highly 
pleasing, especially to the eye. 

The rose is among the most beautiful flowers. 

The evening star, shining with its clear and 
silvery light in the western sky, is beautiful. 

It was a beautiful thought of a deaf-mute, 
that Gratitude is the memory of the heart. 

A dutiful daughter taking care of an aged 
and feeble mother with great kindness and at- 
tention, is a beautiful sight. 

Beauty of countenance will soon fade, it 
is foolish therefore to be vain of it. 

Be caZm, v. a. to make quiet, to put 
at rest. 

The wind had died away. The sea was 
as smooth as glass, and the ship was becalm- 
ed for several days. 

Beck on, v. n. to make a motion, in 
order to attract attention, or to give 
a hint or meaning. 

Sarah was at a great distance from *he 
house, and her mother, who stood at the 
window, beckoned to her to come in. 

Be come', (be kum,) v. n. to come to 
be what a person or thing was not 
before. 



BEH 



32 



Joseph was sold as a slave by his breth- 
ren, and afterwards became governor of Egypt. 

v. a. to fit, to agree with, or be suit- 
able to. 

She was an old lady, and her simple, plain 
dress became her much. 

Henry has had great advantages, and it be- 
comes him to conduct well. 

Light and trifling behavior is not becoming 
in the house of God. 

Be fall, v. a. to happen to. 

Paul went fearlessly to Jerusalem, though 
he did not know what things would befall him 
there. 

Be fit, v. a. to fit, to become, to be 
suitable to. 

To give so much time to amusements, is 
not befitting a person of his age. 

Be guile, v. a. to deceive in an artful 
and alluring manner. 

A wicked man invited a young lad to go 
with him and play cards, telling him how pleas- 
ant it would be, and how easily he could get 
much money in that way. He beguiled him 
to his ruin, for the lad became a gambler. 

to amuse one, so as to cause that 
which would otherwise be disa- 
greeable to be forgotten, or but 
little thought of. 

The passage in the steam-boat was long, 
and would have been tedious, if we had not 
beguiled the time with reading and pleasant 
conversation. 

Be ha/f, n. for the benefit. of. . 

He went round to collect money in behalf 
of the orphan children. 

instead of. 

He was sick and could' not attend to the 
business. He sent another person to act in 
his behalf. 

Be have, v. n. to show out the 
thoughts and feelings, when with 
others, in a good or bad way. 

Robert is still, attentive, studious, and obe- 
dient at school. He behaves well. 



BEN 

Charles was noisy, rude, and even got an- 
gry when his sisters had some little girls to 
visit them. He behaved badly. 

When David was at Gath, being afraid 
of King Achish, he changed his behavior, and 
acted like a mad-man. 

Be hold, v.a.io look at for some time. 

When Christ came near Jerusalem, he be- 
held the city and wept over it. 

Be hold en, a. held or bound to be 
grateful to another for some bene- 
fit. 

James was an orphan boy, and is much be- 
holden to Mr. Smith for setting him up in bu- 
siness. 

Be hoove, v. a. to be fit for, to be ne- 
cessary to, to be advantageous to, 

to be a duty. 

A father wrote to his son that it behooved 
him to be very economical, as he could not 
afford to let him have much money. 

Be h'eve, v. a. to think and feel that 
something is certainly true which 
we have not ourselves seen or 
known, because some one tells us 
that it is so,- or because we have 
other good reasons to think that it 
is so. 

We believe that there were such men as 
Alexander and Cesar, though they lived long 
before we were born. 

Elizabeth believed her mother when she 
told her that the medicine would do her good, 
and took it although it was very disagreeable. 

The belief of Abraham in what God told 
him, was so strong that he was called the 
friend of God. 

v. n. to put trust in. 

Our Saviour said to his disciples, "Ye be- 
lieve in God, believe also in me." 

" Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
thou shalt be saved." 

Ben e fac tor, n. one that does good 
to another. 



BER 33 

If you would be happy, strive to be a ben- 
efactor of your fellow-men. 

Be nef i cence, n. doing good to oth- 
ers. 

It is not enough to say that we wish well to 
others, we must show that we do so by our be- 
neficence. 

She is always visiting the sick and the 
poor, and doing something to relieve them. 
She is truly a beneficent woman. 

Ben e fit, n. a good done us, advan- 
tage, profit. 

He rode early every morning for the ben- 
efit of his health. 

We ought to be thankful to the Lord, 
" who daily loadeth us with benefits." 

The trade of the city has been greatly bene- 
fitted by the rail -road. 

It is very beneficial to the young, to be often 
in the company of older and wiser persons. 

Be nev o lence, n. the love and de- 
sire of doing good. 

True benevolence always shows itself, 
when it has the ability to do so, in active be- 
neficence. 

Christ has taught us to be benevolent even 
to our enemies. 

Be nl>n, a. kind in a gentle and con- 
descending manner. 

LaFayette accosted, in a most benign man- 
ner, the old soldier who had served under him. 

The countenance of the venerable man was 
full of benignity, as he looked upon his 
grand-children at their sports. 

Be queath, v. a. to give by will, to 
leave something to others which 
they are to have after our death. 

They found a will after his d^ath, in which 
he had bequeathed half of his property to his 
wife, and the other half to his four children, 
to be equally divided between them. ' 

Be reave, v. a. to take from, so that 
the loss is great and afflictive. 

When the sons of Jacob wished to carry- 
Benjamin down to Egypt, he said to them, 
" Me ye have bereaved of my children ; Jo- 

3 



BES 

seph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will 
take Benjamin away." 

His only son was drowned, but he bore the 
bereavement like a christian. 

Be seech, v. a. to pray or ask, with 
strong feeling and with earnest- 
ness. 

When Coriolanus drew near the city of 
Rome to destroy it, the inhabitants sent out 
his mother, wife, and children to beseech 
him not to do it. He granted their request. 

Be set, v. a. to surround and trouble, 
or threaten with danger. 

He was beset by robbers in the woods, 
was wounded, and escaped with difficulty. 

The man who brought the news was be- 
set with so many questions by the crowd who 
gathered round him, that he did not know 
what to say. 

Be siege, v. a. to surround or block 
up a place with soldiers in order to 
take it. 

The united forces of the Americans and 
French besieged Yorktown, and took Corn- 
wallis and the English army prisoners. 

Be speak, v. a. to speak for, or en- 
gage beforehand. 

He bespoke his passage in the ship three 
weeks before he sailed. 

to foretell. 

The circle round the moon bespeaks a 
storm soon. 

Be stir, v. a. to cause to move in a 
lively and quick manner. 

Charles got up late, and bestirred himself 
that he might get to school in season. 

Be stow, v. a. to give freely to some 
one who needs or desires the fa- 
vor, or to some thing which needs 
care and attention. 
Paul says, " Though I bestow all my 
. goods to feed the poor, — and have not char 
ity, it profiteth me nothing." 

She bestows a great deal of time and la- 
bor upon the education of her children. 



BIG 



to lay up in store. 

Gehazi bestowed in the house the pres- 
ents which he received from Naaman. 

Be take, v. a. to take or apply to. 

The boy was so much alarmed at the sight 
of the bear, that he betook himself to flight. 

He was formerly very indolent, but has 
lately betaken himself to study with great 
diligence. 

Be tray, v. a. to be guilty of not keep- 
ing that which others have trusted 
to us. 

Charles betrayed the secret which Henry 
told him, by letting all his companions know it. 

An officer who had the command of a 
fort, was bribed by the enemy and betrayed 
it into their hands. 

to do that which shows what would 
otherwise have been concealed. 

He blushed and hesitated, and thus be- 
trayed his guilt. 

Be wail, v. a. to give vent to deep 
grief by sounds or words. 

She bewailed the death of her child with 
loud sobs and groans. 

Be ware, v. n. to be very careful and 
cautious with regard to what may 
injure us. 

The father warned his son to beware of 
idleness, because the idle are exposed to 
many temptations. 

Bl as, n. a strong and fixed lean- 
ing of the mind in favor of, or in 
opposition to, some person or 
thing. 

The attachment of the mother to her chil- 
dren caused in her such a bias in their favor, 
that she could not see their faults. 

That a judge may give a right decision, 
he should never be biased against either one 
party or the other. 

Big ot, n. one who is so unreasonably 
and obstinately attached to his own 
narty or opinions, that he treats 



34 BLA 

those who differ from him with 
great harshness and contempt. 
Bill, n. a written account of things, 
for which usually money is to be 
paid. 

A merchant sent the goods, with a bill of 
them, to the man who had bought them. 

a paper in which some law is drawn 
up to be laid before the legislature 
for them to enact, if they see fit to 
do it. 

Bind, v. a. to put something round 
other things in such a way as to 
hold them tight together. 

The hoops bind together the staves of a 
barrel. 

to unite persons closely together in 
affection, or for some common pur- 
pose. 

David and Jonathan were bound together 
by a strong friendship. 

When we ought to do a thing, we say we 
are bound to do it. 

James is bound to love and be grate- 
ful to his uncle, who has done so much for 
him. 

The witness is bound by his oath to tell 
the truth. 

Bi 6g ra phy, n. an account of the 
life and character of a particular 
person. 

Bit ter, a. tasting like wormwood.— 
sharp, cruel, severe ; as a bitter 
cold storm, bitter hatred, bitter af- 
fliction. * 

When the little girl received the news 
of the death of her mother, she wept bitter- 
ly- 
Blame, v. a. to find fault with a per- 
son. 

The master blamed the boy for not taking 
care of his book. 



BLE 

It was Benjamin who did the mischief, but 
he tried to throw the blame upon Samuel. 

The Bible calls upon Christians to be found 
without spot and blameless. 

Blank, a. white, without any thing 
written, printed, or drawn upon it. 

Frank has taken a small blank book with 
him, and intends to fill it up with an account 
of his journey. 

pale, confused. 

He was charged all at once with having 
set the house on fire, when another man did 
it, and it made him look very blank. 

Blank-verse is poetry having measure with- 
out rhyme ; as Cowper, speaking of his tame 
hare, says : 

" If I survive thee, I will dig thy grave ; 

And, when I place thee in it, sighing, say, 

I knew, at least, one hare that had a friend." 

Bias pheme, v. a. to speak evil of 
God in a reproachful and very- 
wicked manner. 

Blast, n. the wind rushing suddenly 
and strongly. 

A blast of wind passed over the corn and 
bent the stalks rb the ground. 

the sound made by some wind instru- 
ments. 

He blew a loud blast on the trumpet. 

a disease in plants. # 

His grain has been much injured by the 
blast. 

Blast, v. a. to cause to wither by some 
deadly influence. 

Pharaoh dreamed that seven ears of corn, 
thin, withered, and blasted by the east wind, 
sprung up after seven good ears, and devour- 
ed them. 

to injure greatly, to cause to fail. 

He was dealing largely in cotton, when a 
sudden fall in the price blasted all his expec- 
tations of making a great sum of money. 

Bleak, a. bare, open to the wind and 
cold. 
The house stood on the top of a hill, and 



35 



BLf 



had no trees round it. It was a very bleax 
situation. 

Blem ish, n. a spot, defect, or deform- 
ity, which injures the appearance 
or value of a thing. 

The lambs which the Israelites offered 
up in sacrifice, were required to be without 
blemish. 

The most violent enemies of Christ have 
never been able to find a blemish in his char- 
acter. 

Blend, v. a. to bring or put things to- 
gether in such a way, that it is 
more or less difficult to distinguish 
between them. 

The seven colors, red, orange, yellow, green, 
blue, indigo, and violet, are beautifully blend- 
ed in the rainbow. » 

The affections of the two friends were blend- 
ed in a warm and lasting attachment. 

Bless, v. a. to utter a wish or prayer 
that one may be prosperous and 
happy. 

The father blessed his son who was going 
on a long voyage, and prayed that he might 
return in safety. 

to give prosperity and happiness to. 

The Lord blessed the latter end of Job 
more than his beginning, even in the things of 
this life; so that he had abundance of wealth. 

It is a great blessing to have a pious father 
and mother. 

to praise God. 

David said, " I will bless the Lord at all 
times ; his praise shall continually be in my 
mouth." 

to set apart for the service of God, 
and to cause to be a great blessing. 

" The Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and 
hallowed it." 

Blight, i). a. to blast, to injure the 
growth or success of. 

He had great advantages, but his bad conduct 
and extravagance soon blighted all his pros- 
pects. 



fiLU 



30 



BOD 



Bltss, n. happiness of the highest 
kind, such as is enjoyed in heaven. 

Block, n. a short, heavy piece of 
wood, or of marble.— something 
put in the way that stops or hin- 
ders. 

The snow was so deep, that it completely 
blocked up our path. 

Block ade, v. a. to block up a place 
so completely, by an enemy's ships 
or soldiers, that no one can enter 
or leave it with safety. 

Blood, (bifid,) n. the red fluid which 
circulates in the bodies of ani- 
mals. — kindred among those who 
have the same common ancestor. 

They are related to each other by blood, hav- 
ing the same great grandfather. 

the state of feeling which one is in. 

There was nothing done to provoke him. 
He was not angry. He deliberately killed the 
man for his money. He committed the mur- 
der in cold blood. 

Bloom, n. the flowers of a tree, or 
plant, when fully unfolded. 

The apple-trees were in bloom, and the air 
was filled with fragrance. 

Bloom ing, a. unfolding its blossom ; 
showing youthful health and vigor. 

Death cuts down the gay and the blooming, 
as well as the feeble and aged. 

Blus ter, v. n. to be loud and noisy in 
a swaggering and boisterous man- 
ner. 

It is very often the case that the person who 
blusters the most, is the greatest coward. 

to blow, as the wind sometimes does, 
in a noisy, irregular and boisterous 
manner. 

' The day was so blustering, that the little 
children did not go abroad. 



Board, n. along thin piece of timber, 
usually made so by sawing. — the 
taking of food regularly at a cer- 
tain place, and paying for it. — a 
company of men who are associa- 
ted and meet together, from time to 
time, to do business ; as the Board of 
Directors of an Orphan Asylum 

Board, v. a. to attack and enter a ship 
by force. 

The captain ran his ship along side of the 
enemy's ; and his men boarded it, and took it. 

to furnish food regularly at a certain 
price. 

He boards the men who are at work on the 
bridge, and they pay him every month. 

Boast, v. n. for a person to talk in a 
vain manner about something which 
he has — or has done or can do, so 
as to make others think very high- 
ly of him. 

Samuel boasted that he had said his lesson 
without making one mistake, though his older 
brother helped him to get it the evening before. 

A truly great man is modest, and is not 
boastful if he has to speak of himself. 

Bod y, n. the bones, flesh, and other 
parts, which taken together, make 
up the frame of man, and of other 
animals.— matter, and not soul or 
spirit.— that which we can see, 
touch, or handle. 

At death the spirit leaves the body. 

a number of persons united for some 
particular purpose. 

Napoleon marched, in 1812, to conquer 
Russia, with an immense body of soldiers, bui 
was defeated. 

the main part of a thing ; as the bo- 
dy of a tree. 



BOU 



37 



BRA 



Bois' ter cms, a. noisy, loud, turbulent. 

When Peter, who was walking on the water 
to go to Christ, saw that the wind was bois- 
terous, he was afraid ; and beginning to sink, 
he cried, " Lord, save me." 

Henry was told not .to come into the room 
in so boisterous a manner, for it disturbed his 
sister who was sick. 

Bold, a. ready to go forward and meet 
danger, in speaking or acting, 
whenever it ought to be done. 

He who has right on his side, should always 
be bold in the defense of it. 

impudent, rude. 

Her manners were so bold as to be very- 
disagreeable. 

Bond, 'n. any thing that binds. 

Samson was so strong, that he easily burst 
the bonds with which he was bound. 

It is a lovely family ; the parents and chil- 
dren appear to be strongly united in the bonds 
of Christian affection. 

Bond age, n. the being unjustly de- 
prived of liberty, and compelled in 
an oppressive manner to labor for 
others. 

The Egyptians made the lives of the Isra- 
elites bitter with hard bondage in mortar, and 
in brick, and in all manner of service in the 
field. 
Booty, 11. that which is taken from 
an enemy in war, or by robbery 
and violence. 

The Arabs attacked the caravan in the des- 
ert, and carried off the camels, and all with 
which they were loaded. It was a rich booty. 

Bound, n. the point or line which 
any thing comes up to, and beyond 
which it does not go, or ought not 
t to go. 

They agreed where the bound of the lot 
should be on its north side, and set up stones 
to mark it. 

The ambition of Alexander was without 
bound 



a quick spring or jump. 

He ran, and one bound carried hua over 
the fence. 

Bound, v. a. to fix the bound of. 

Connecticut is bounded on the north by 
Massachusetts. 

He is so eager to acquire wealth, that it 
seems as if he could not bound his desires 
after it. 
v. n. to spring or jump quickly. 

The deer bounded lightly over the fields, 
and was soon out of sight. 

Bound' a ry, n. some fixed mark to 
point out a bound. 

A stone fence is the boundary between the 
two farms. 

A part of the Ohio river forms the boundary 
between the States of Ohio and Kentucky. 
Bound' less, a. without bound. 

Go as far as you may in any direction, and 
you can still go farther. Space is boundless. 
The goodness of God is boundless. 

Boun' ty, n. giving freely and benev- 
olently. 

The bounty of God towards his creatures 
is great and constant. t 

the thing which is given freely and 
benevolently. 

The farmers gathered in large crops of 
wheat. It w r as a rich bounty of a kind Prov- 
idence. 

He is a very bountiful man, and gives a 
great deal to the poor in his neighborhood. 
Branch, n. a small part of a tree, 
shooting out from a larger part. 

The trunk of the tree rose fifty feet before 
any branches came from it. 

a smaller stream running into a larger 
one. 

The Ohio river is one of the branches of 
the Mississippi. 

Persons who come from the same ancestor, 
are said to be branches of his family. 

He came from England two hundred years 
ago, and his descendants have branched out 
into a great many families. 



BRI 38 

Brand, n. a piece of wood partly 
burned. — a mark made by burning 
with a hot iron. 

The brand on the box was the name of the 
person to whom it belonged. 

Criminals have sometimes been branded on 
the forehead, to show that they have done 
something very wicked. 

Brand ish, v. a. to raise and move a- 
bout quickly in various directions. 

He frightened the smaller boys by brandish- 
ing the bat, as if he was about to strike them. 

Brave, a. ready, if necessary, to en- 
counter or seek any danger, with 
a fearless and resolute spirit. 

Jonathan was truly a brave man, he and his 
armor-bearer went alone to attack a garrison of 
the Philistines, and destroyed many of them. 

The Greeks in their struggles against the 
Turks, showed a^great deal of bravery. 

The sailors braved the storm with great firm- 
ness, and brought the ship safely into port. 

Brawl, n. a noisy and low quarrel. 

If there are sometimes brawls in the street, 
tfcere should be peace at home. 

Breach, n. an opening made by vio- 
lence. 

The heavy rains made a breach in the 
banks of the canal, and the water ran out 
over the meadows. 

The breaking or disobeying of a law, — the 
breaking of a promise, — the separation of 
friends by a quarrel, are called breaches. 

Breed, v. a. to give birth to animals ; 
as, a hen breeds chickens.— to pro- 
duce, or cause to be, gradually. 

A want of cleanliness often breeds disease. 
If the scholars in a school are disobedient 
to the master, it is sure to breed trouble. 

Bribe, n. something given to a person, 
to lead him to say or to do what is 
wrong. 

He Kave the witness ten dollars, as a bribe, 
lo get him to swear to what was not true. 



BRO 

The great lord Bacon, when a judge, was 
sometimes bribed to give an unjust decision. 

Bnef, a. short, not drawn out into 
many words or sentences ; . usually 
applied to what is said or written, 
or to portions -of time. 

His letters are brief, but full of meaning. 
He spoke well, and the only fault found 
with his address was its brevity. 

Brill' iant, (bril yant,) a. shining with 
a bright and sparkling light ; as the 
stars in a clear winter's night, or a 
diamond in a lady's ring, or the 
trees covered with icicles in the 
bright sun of the morning. 

He wrote a composition which contained 
many brilliant" thoughts. 

Brink, n. the edge of any deep or 
steep place ; as the brink of a well, 
of a precipice, of a river. 

Brisk, a. lively, active, sprightly. 

The little lambs were brisk, and skipped 
about the field. 

The boys had a holyday, and played briskly 
at ball all the afternoon. 

Brit tie, a. easily broken short off, and 
into parts ; as glass, a pipe, an 
icicle. 

Broach, v. a. to make a hole in, or to 
tap, in order to let out a liquid. — 
to let out, or make known a secret, 
or something which was before un- 
known. 

The opinion has been broached that the 
earth is hollow, and that it is possible to get 
inside of it. 

Broil, n. a quarrel accompanied with 
noise, heat, and confusion. 

A dispute about a little land which was 
scarcely worth any thing, kept the two fami- 
lies in a continual broil. 



BUL 

Brood, v. rt. to sit over and warm, in 
order to hatch ; as a hen broods 
over her eggs. — to think of, a long 
time, carefully and anxiously. 

He met with many troubles, and brooded 
over them so much, that his friends were 
afraid he would become deranged. 

Brow, n. the arch of hair over the 
eye, called the eye-brow. — the 
forehead. — the edge of any high 
place, as the brow of a hill. 
Brunt, n. the hottest and most violent 
part, of a contest. 

There was a great slaughter among the sol- 
diers who bore the brunt of the battle. 

the chief part of the force of a blow, 
of a storm, or of a shock of any 
kind. 

The brunt of the storm fell on the west 
part of the town, and unroofed many houses. 

Brfi tal, a. very cruel and inhuman, 
like a wild animal or brute. # 

He came home intoxicated, and turned his 
family out of doors in a cold winter's night, 
in a most brutal manner. 

Brfi tish, a. ignorant, stupid, unfeel- 
ing like a brute. 

" He that hateth reproof is brutish." 

Buf fet, v. a. to beat or strike with the 
hand or fist. 

The waves ran high, but the sailor buffet- 
ed them manfully, and at length reached the 
shore. 

Bulk, n. size, quantity, usually in a 
considerable degree. 

He was a man of great bulk, and weighed 
about four hundred pounds. 

the larger part. 

He owned some land, but the bulk of his 
property was in houses which he rented. 

The box containing his books was bulky, 
and took up a great deal of room. 



39 



BUS 



Bui wark, n. a bank »f earth raised 
to defend a place from the attack 
of an enemy. — any great and pow- 
erful means of defense, as, the 
navy of Great Britain is her bul- 
wark. 
Bun gle, v. n. to do a thing in a clum- 
sy, unskillful manner, not like a 
workman. 

The master set him to draw a map on the 
blackboard, but he held the chalk so loosely in 
his fingers, and let the rule slip out of its place 
so often, and drew the lines so badly, and 
bungled in so many othei Kms that he made 
all the school laugh at him.* 

Bur den, n. a thing which is car- 
ried. 

Camels carry very heavy burdens across 
the desert. 

something which is borne with labor 
or difficulty. 

He lost his whole family in a few weeks, 
and the burden of his grief was so great, that 
it seemed as if he would sink under it. 

something often repeated in conver- 
sation or writing, because it is felt 
deeply. 

He finds fault with his friends, because 
they did not give him the advantages of an 
early education, and this is the burden of his 
complaint whenever I see him.# 

Bus' i ness, (biz ness,) n, that which 
a man does, day after day, to get a 
living, or in some other way to 
benefit himself. 

His former business was that of a merchant, 
but now he is a farmer. 

something that is done at a particular 
time. 

The only business which he had to do in 
the city, was to go to the Post-QfBcs,. 



CAM 



the right to say, or to do some partic- 
ular thing. 

He says many things about the man with 
whom he lives which he has no business to say. 

Butt, n. a point to be shot at, or to- 
wards which some effort is direct- 
ed. — one that is made sport of by 
those in company with him. — the 
push which an animal makes with 
his head against something. — the 
larger end of a plank or stick. — a 
large cask. 

% C. 

f^a lam i ty, n. a very great, sudden, 
^ and destructive evil, in most 

cases not caused by any thing 

which men do. 

The river rose rapidly in the night, and car- 
ried off the house of the poor family and all 
that it contained, while they barely escaped 
with their lives. It was a great calamity to 
them. 

The earthquake which destroyed a great 
part of the city of Lisbon in the year 1755, 
was a terrible calamity ; ten thousand persons 
were killed. 
Cairn, a. not agitated, still. 

The sun shone bright after the storm. The 
wind had died away. The leaves on the trees 
scarcely moved. It was calm. 

When Christ and some of his followers 
were in a little ship during a violent tempest, 
he rebuked the winds and the waves, ■ and 
there was a great calm. 

When persons are angry with us, we should 
try to calm their feelings, by speaking kindly 
to them. 

Camp, n. the place in which tents are 

arranged for soldiers to lodge in. 
Cam paigTi, n. the time during which, 



40 CAP 

day after day, an army is march- 
ing, fighting, or in camp ready for 
action. 

As the severe cold weather came on, both 
armies went into v/inter quarters, to remain 
there till the spring, before they should again 
attack each other. In this way the first cam- 
paign ended. 
Can did, a. free from any wrong 
bias, — thinking, judging and speak- 
ing, truly and justly. 

He was very candid in admitting that what 
was said was true, although it made directly 
against himself. 

He always speaks of others as well as he 
can, and never finds fault with them, unless he 
thinks there is a good reason for doing so. 
He is much esteemed for his candor. 

Can di date, n. one who offers him- 
self, or whom others name, to be 
chosen to some office. 

Three young men came forward as candi- 
dates for the office of school master, and the 
committee made choice of the oldest. 

da pa ble, a. able to admit or hold. 

The church was capable of seating one 
thousand persons. 

The stage-coach had not capacity enough to 
accommodate all the passengers who wished 
to go in it. 

having those powers of body or of 
mind, which if used will accom- 
plish a particular thing. 

Susan shows, by the manner in which she 
gets her lessons, that she is capable of mak- 
ing a fine scholar. 

Zerah Colburn had a wonderful capacity for 
working out long and hard sums in arithmetic, 
in his head. 

Ca pa cious, a. wide, large, so as to 
- be able to hold much. 

The city has a fine, capacious harbor. Hun- 
dreds of vessels can be accommodated in it 
at the same time. 



CAP 

He has studied and thought a great deal. 
He has gained much knowledge of many dif- 
ferent things, and is able to take a wide view 
of them, and see how they affect each other. 
He has a very capacious mind. 

Cap i tal, a. of the largest kind, chief. 

Little Edward has not yet learned all the 
capital letters in the Spelling-Book. 

There were many mistakes in John's letter, 
but the capital one was, that he mis-spelt his 
own name. 

criminal in the highest degree, so as 
to be punished with death. 

Murder is a capital offense, and the law 
says that he who commits it must be hung. 

Cap i tal, n. the chief or principal 
city in a state or nation. 

Washington is the seat of government, or 
the capital of the United States. 

the money or goods with which any 

business is begun and carried on, 

for the sake of profit. 

Cap i tol, n. the building in which the 

• Congress of the United States 

meets. 

In some of the States the same name is 
given to the building in which the legislature 
meets. 
Ca prf cious, (ca prish us,) a. not 
steady, — suddenly turning from 
one thing to another as one may 
happen to feel, and without any 
good reason. 

Eliza had a holyday. In the morning she 
was full of joy at the thought of visiting her 
aunt. She soon, however, concluded to stay 
at home, and play with her little brother ; but 
by dinner-time, she asked leave to go and 
ride with her cousin. She changed her 
mind, nobody could tell why. She was very 
capricious. 

Cap tious, a. very apt to find fault, or 
to be offended. 

Samuel's playmate tried to amuse him by 



41 



CAR 



showing him some beautiful pictures ; but he 
did nothing but point Out all the little blem- 
ishes he could find, and would not be pleased 
with any of them. He was very captious. 

Cap tive, n. a person taken prisoner 
in war. 

Daniel and his three friends were carried 
into captivity to Babylon, by order of Nebu- 
chadnezzar. 

Cap ture, v.. a. to take or seize, in 
war, an enemy or what belongs 
to him. 

The English captured Gibraltar in the year 
1704, and have kept possession of it ever 
since. 

The capture of Burgoyne and his army, by 
the Americans under General Gates, in 1777, 
spread joy throughout the whole country. 

Car a van, n. a company of men who 
travel together, in Arabia, and other 
parts of the East, for the sake of 
helping and defending each other. 
Care, n. thinking and feeling much, 
lest some evil or disadvantage may 
befall a person or thing. 

The mother's care for her sick child, led 
her to pass many wakeful nights in watching 
over it. 

He was a very disobedient boy, and seemed 
not to care how much trouble he gave his pa- 
rents. 

looking about attentively and so act- 
ing as to avoid some evil or dan- 
ger. * * 

The ice is very thin in many places, and 
if the boys do not take great care they may 
break through into the water. 

taking the charge of, so as to keep 
from evil, or do good to. 

Joseph was an affectionate son and brother, 
and took good care of his old father, and of 
his brethren, when they came down into 
Egypt. 

Henry is very careful of his books ; he has 



CAS 

had them a long time, and they look almost 
as well as if they were new. 

If people were not so careless about their 
fires, fewer houses would be burned. 

Ca reer, n. the going on with speed 
and ardor in some course of action. 

Cromwell was very little known till he was 
more than forty years old, when a war broke 
out in England among the English themselves. 
He entered the army that was opposed to the 
king. He soon became general, and after- 
wards rose to be the head of the English nation 
in 1 654. His career was rapid and brilliant. 
Ca ress, v. a. to embrace fondly, and 
treat affectionately as a mother does 
her infant. 
Car go, n. the things which are car- 
ried from one place to another in 
a ship that is employed in trade. 
Car nage, n. many dead bodies of 
men, or of beasts, in one place, 
that have been killed in a bloody 
and violent manner. 

The slaughter during the battle of Waterloo 
between the French and the allied powers in 
1815, was terrible, and the carnage so great, 
that after the battle one could hardly walk 
over the field without treading on the dead. 

Case, n. a box, covering, or sheath, in 
which something is put. — that 
which happens to persons or things, 
and continues to affect them in a 
certain way, either for good or for 
evil. 

Robert fell from a tree, and broke several of 
his ribs. He is confined to his bed, and it 
will be a long while before he gets well. 
His case is a sad one. 

He has had a large estate left him by his 
grandfather, and many would like to be in his 
case. 

He has been afflicted with a consumption 
for more than three years, and there is little 
or no hope of recovery in his case. 



42 



CAU 



Two boys had a quarrel. They came be- 
fore the master, and each gave his account of 
the case. 

Cas u al ty, n. something evil or dis- 
advantageous, which happens un- 
expectedly and without design. 

Two brothers were in the woods hunting. 
One saw the other at a distance behind some 
bushes, and thought it was a deer. He fired 
and killed him. It was a most distressing 
casualty. 

Ca tas tro phe, n. the coming to an 
end, usually an unhappy one, of 
some plan, course of action, or im- 
portant affair. 

Pharaoh, after letting the Israelites go, pur- 
sued them with an immense army. They 
passed through the Red Sea in safety. He 
and his army followed after them, and were 
swallowed up in the waters and drowned. It 
was a striking catastrophe. 
Cause, n. that which makes another 
thing to be, or which always goes 
before and is joined with it, ant 
without which, so far as we can 
see, it would not be. 

I think to have my hand rise, intending 
that it shall. It rises. My thinking thus to 
have it rise, is the cause of its rising. 

The sunshine and the rain cause the grass 
to grow. 

God is the great First Cause, who has made 
all worlds, and the beings that dwell in them. 

the reason why a thing is done. 

The wise men could not explain to Nebu- 
chadnezzar the meaning of his dream, and 
for this cause he was angry with them. 

the side or part of those who are 
striving to accomplish some par- 
ticular thing. 

Many benevolent persons have associated 
together to make prisons better than they 
are. It is a good cause, and we should do 
all we can to aid them. 



CEL 



43 



A suit before a court of justice, is called 
a cause. 

Can tion, n. looking out carefully for 
some evil or danger which it is 
feared may befall one, in order to 
avoid it. 
Fabius, a Roman general, had so much cau- 
tion in avoiding a battle with Hannibal, that 
he was unjustly accused of being a coward. 
But his caution saved his country, and the 
Romans afterwards called him their shield. 

Washington was very cautious in his 
movements with the soldiers under his com- 
mand, and may, on that account, be called the 
American Fabius. 

telling one to be on his guard against 
some evil or danger. 

The father's letter to his son contained a 
very serious caution against his associating 
with a certain person. 

"When Alexander was dangerously- sick 
from bathing in the river Cydnus, Parmenio, 
one of his friends, wrote to caution him not to 
take any medicine from Philip, his physician, 
•who had been bribed to poison him. But he 
had confidence in Philip, took the medicine, 
and was cured. 

Cav il, v. n. to make objections to a 
thing, or to find fault with it, in a 
vain and ill-natured way, and with- 
out any good reason. , 

It is very often true, that those who cavil 
most at the Bible have read it the least, and 
disregard what it teaches. 

Cede, v. a. for one country or person 
to give up something to another. 

Canada was settled by the French, who, at 
the close of a war with England, ceded it to 
that nation in the year 17G3. 

Cel e brate, v. a. to praise in a solemn 
manner. 

In our psalms and hymns in public worship, 
we celebrate the goodness of God. 

to distinguish with honor some per- 
son or events in a public manner, 



CEN 

* and by doing things which show 
gratitude, joy, and respect. 

The Jews were accustomed to celebrate the 
feast of the passover once each year, at Jeru- 
salem. 

It is a great evil that the celebration of the 
fourth of July should be attended, as it too of- 
ten i.i, with intemperance and disorderly con- 
duct. 

Cel e bra ted, p. much distinguished, 
known and honored by a great 
many. 

Homer is the most celebrated heathen poet 
of ancient times. 

Franklin has attained much celebrity by 
what he found out concerning the lightning. 

Ce lest' ial, (ce lest yal,) a. belong- 
ing or relating to heaven. 

Cen so ri ous, a. very fond of finding 
fault. 

Those censorious persons who are so often 
blaming others, would do well first to correct 
their own faults. 

Cen sure, v. a. to find fault with what 
is thought to be improper or wrong. 

When it is necessary for us to censure oth- 
ers, we should do it kindly, and be careful not 
to make what they do, appear to be worse 
than it really is. 

He strove to do right, and feared more the 
displeasure of God than the censure of men. 

Cen sus, n. taking an account of the 
number of inhabitants in a coun- 
try by order of the government. 

In the United States the census is taken 
once in ten years. 

Cen tu ri on, n. an officer among the 
Romans who commanded one hun- 
dred soldiers. 

Cornelius was a pious centurion, whose 
prayers and alms came up as a memorial be 
fore God. 

Cen tu ry, n. one hundred years. 

Before the flood nun lived m^~ "' -*•-*-■<-- 



CES 



44 



Cer e mo ny, n. a form or outward 
manner, which is fixed upon of do- 
ing certain things , as the cere- 
mony of baptism, of taking an oath 
in a court of justice, of marriage, 
and the ceremonies of politeness. 

We read in the Old Testament of a great- 
many religious ceremonies which were ob- 
served by the Jews. 
Cer e mo ni ous, a. too careful and 
exact in observing certain forms of 
politeness. 

She is so ceremonious in receiving her 
friends, that it seems as if she had but little 
regard for them. 
Certain, a. free from all doubt, that 
which is known to be true. 

" We brought nothing into this world, and 
it is certain we can cany nothing out." 

Abstaining from all intoxicating drinks, is 
a certain cure for intemperance. 

John told his father, he could not say with 
certainty that the man was in the shop, but he 
believed he was. 

fixed, regular. 

He advertises to sell his goods at a certain 
price, which he says he will not alter. 

pointing out particular persons or 
things without naming them. 

There are certain persons who almost al- 
ways come late to church. 
Cer ti fy, v. a. to inform one, usually in 
writing, that a thing is certainly so. 

Esther, the queen of Ahasuerus, certified 
him that two of his servants were intending 
to kill him. 

Samuel carried home a written certificate 
from the master that he had behaved and 
studied well at school for a month, which 
pleased his father very much. 

Ces sion, n. the giving up of some- 
thing by one country or person to 
another. 



CHA 

Spain made a cession of Florida to the 
United States in the year 1819. 

Chal lenge, v. a. for a person to call 
upon one to meet him in some dis- 
pute or contest. 

It is very foolish and wicked for a man to 
challenge another to fight a duel with him. 

He denied that what the other man affirmed 
was true, and challenged him to prove it. 

to call upon others to admit that a 
certain thing belongs to one. 

A father may justly challenge respect and 
obedience from his children. 

Cham pi on, n. a brave man who 
fights, or who is ready to fight, for 
another or for a body of men.. 

Goliath was the champion of the Philis- 
tines. 

Chance, n. when a thing happens 
unexpectedly, and without design, 
so that we cannot ascertain the 
cause, we say that it happens by 
chance ; as, he was looking for the 
owner of the money which he 
found, and, by chance, met him in 
the street. We also use this word, 
when we speak of a thing which 
it is possible may happen, but 
about which there is much uncer- 
tainty. 

He has just opened a shop, but there^ are 
so many already engaged in the same busi- 
ness, that his chance of success is very smalL 

Change, v. a. to put one person or 
thing in the place of another. 

When a lady gets married she changes her 
surname for that of her husband. 

to cause persons or things to be dif- 
ferent from what they were before. 

Cyrus changed the course of the river Eu- 
phrates by digging one trench around the city 
of Babylon, and another towards a large 



CHA 



45 



lake, into both of which the stream ran, leav- 
ing its former channel dry. He then marched 
his soldiers through the channel into the city 
and took it. 

He is an old man, and has lived to see a 
great many chayxges in the world around him. 

Change a ble, a. apt to change. 

He sometimes thinks one way and some- 
times another, about the same thing ; he is 
very changeable in his opinions. 

Chan nel, n. a long hollow passage 
for running water. 

The banks of the river, on each side of its 
channel, are steep. 

Sometimes only the deepest part of a river 
or harbor, and through which vessels can pass, 
is called the channel. 

the means by which a thing is con- 
veyed from one person or place to 
another. 

Newspapers are very important channels of 
intelligence from one part of the country to 
another. - W 

CAar ac ter, n. a mark which is writ- 
ten, printed, or engraved, and has 
a meaning. 

The letters of the alphabet are called char- 
acters ; they stand for certain sounds. 

those things belonging to a person in 
his mind, habits, conversation and 
conduct, which, taken together, 
mark, and distinguish him from 
others. 

Before the farmer would take the young 
man into his family, he inquired very par- 
ticularly about his character — whether he 
was honest, temperate, industrious, careful 
not to use bad language, intelligent, and obe- 
dient. 

A man may have a good reputation whose 
real character is a bad one. Reputation is 
what is generally thought and said about a 
man ; and this is sometimes called his char- 
acter — as, when the question is asked, "What 
is his character for truth." 

When we say of a person that he is a man 



CHA 

of character, it means, he is a man of good 
character. 

an account of any person or thing, 
as good or bad. 

From the character which was given *o him 
of the school, he concluded not to send his 
son to it. 

C^ar ac ter is tic, a. that which agrees 
with, and points out the character 
of, a person. 

It is characteristic of the Arabs to be hos- 
pitable to strangers. 

CAar' ac ter Ize, v. a. to do or say 
that which shows the character. 

Kindness and condescension characterize 
the true follower of Christ. 

Charge, v. a. to tell a person with 
authority, or seriously and earnest- 
ly, that he must do or keep from 
doing a certain thing. 

A mother charged her son, who was going 
to live at a distance, to read his Bible daily. 
He remembered the charge, and did as she 
told him. 

to intrust to. 

He went to New York, and was charged 
with many letters to be delivered there. 

Just before a man died, he put his three 
children in charge of his friend, to take care of 
them as if they were his own. 

to accuse. 

The boy was charged by his father with tell- 
ing a falsehood, and confessed it. 

The jury, after considering the charges made 
against the prisoner, found him guilty. 

to set down in an account something 
which a person is in debt for. 

The merchant charged the goods which the 
wife got, to her husband. 

to load or put into ; as to charge a 

gun with powder or shot, — to 

charge the memory with something 

to be done. 

I was to meet my friend precisely at four 



CHA 

o'clock, and I charged my mind with it that I 
might not forget it. 

to rush forward in an attack. 

After the first fire, the soldiers charged up- 
on the enemy with their bayonets. 

Char i ta ble, a. having kind and be- 
nevolent feelings, especially in 
judging of others. 

He who knows and feels his own faults, will 
be charitable in looking at the faults of others. 

" Charity sufFereth long and is kind — think- 
eth no evil — beareth all things ; believeth all 
things ; hopeth all things ; endureth all things." 

ready to give bountifully to those who 
are in need of aid. 

The truly charitable man will seek out 
those who are suffering. 

He was industrious and economical, that he 
might have the more to give away in charity. 

' Charm, v. a. to give one great delight. 

The music was very fine, and charmed 
him much. 
It was a charming prospect. 

CMsm, n. an opening made by vio- 
lence. 

The earthquake made a wide chasm in the 
rock. 
a place not filled up. «; 

There was a chasm in the letter of several 
lines, which was left blank. 

Chaste, a. pure, free from all that is 
immodest in thought, feeling, con- 
versation and conduct. 

Chas ten, v. a. to afflict a person who 
has done wrong in order to make 
him better. 

"Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, 
andscourgeth every son whom he receiveth." 

Chas tlse, v. a. to inflict pain or suf- 
fering upon a guilty person. 

When God chastises us for our sins, we 
should be penitent and humble. 

A kind father inflicts chastisement upon his 
children because he loves them. 



46 CHE 



Cheat, v. a. to get an advantage of a 
person in some bargain, or in play, 
by falsehood or deceit. 

He sold the horse for a sound and good 
one, but cheated the man greatly who bought 
him, for the horse was blind of one eye, and 
stumbled badly. 

Hardly any thing worse' can happen to a 
boy than to get the character of a cheat. 

Check, v. a. to cause to go slower, — 
to put something in the way, so as 
to lessen the progress of. 

The brook was flowing rapidly along, but 
its current was much checked by some trees 
which had fallen across it. 

The children were laughing too loud and 
too long, and their mother had to check them. 

His business received quite a check from 
the death of his partner. 

Cheer, v. a. to receive with shouts of 

j°y* 

As The boat approached, the crowds on the 
shore cheered it. 

to applaud. 

They cheered him Several times while he 
was speaking. 

to remove sadness, to gladden. 

He received a letter which informed him 
that his wife was much better. It cheered 
him greatly. 

Our Saviour said to the man who was sick 
of the palsy, " Son, be of good cheer, thy sins 
are forgiven thee." 

Cheer ful, a. having lively, pleasant, 
and happy feelings, flowing on 
evenly from day to day. 

If you wish to have a cheerful old age, 
spend your youth and manhood in the love 
and service of God. 

There was an appearance of cheerfulness 
about the whole school, which pleased me 
very much. 

Cher ish, v. a. to take care, tenderly 
and kindly, of the weak or suffer- 
ing. 



CHO 



47 



She took the poor, friendless orphan into 
her house, and fed, warmed and clothed him. 
She cherished him. 

to keep something with affectionate 
care, in the mind or heart, because 
one loves it. 

Her son has been dead twenty years, but 
she still cherishes his memory, and weeps 
whenever she speaks of him. 

Chide, v. a. to blame a person in 
words, and so as to show that one ( 
is displeased with him. 

A mother chid her daughter for not putting 
the things in order. » 

Chtef, a. being at the head, highest, 
most of, most valuable, most im- 
portant. 

Boston is the chief city of New Eng- 
land. 

Washington was the first President, or 
chief magistrate, of the United States. 

" A whisperer," (or tale bearer,) " separa- 
ted chief friends." 

He comes to the city now and then, but 
spends his time chiefly in the country. 

Choice, n. the act of the mind when 
it takes, or does, one thing rather 
than another. 

Solomon set us a good example when he 
made choice of wisdom, rather than of long 
life, riches, and honor. 

the thing which is taken, or done, 
rather than another. 

The father offered Edward one of a num- 
ber of things as a present. His choice was a 
book. 

Moses chose rather to suffer affliction with 
the people of God, than to enjoy the plea- 
sures of sin for a season. 

Choice^ a. something not common, 
and very valuable. 

The choicest book in his library, is a 
Bible which was printed more than two hun- 
dred years ago. 



CIR 

valuable, and 



regarding as valuable, and using 
with care. 

He has a miniature of his wife who died 
some years ago, of which he is very choice. 

nice in choosing. 

He is very choice in his dress, always buy- 
ing the richest and the best. 

Cir cle, n. a round figure like a ring. 
— an assembly of persons. 

A small circle of friends meet weekly at 
her house, to improve themselves by reading 
and conversation. 

The full moon is circular. 

Cir' cuit, (sur kit,) n. the act of going 
round. 

The circuit of the earth round the sun, is 
completed once every year. 

the space gone round. 

He walked the circuit of the city, which 
was eight miles, in two hours. 

.Cir cu' i tous, a. not the straightest 
way, — roundabout. 

He took a very circuitous path through the 
woods, so as to escape from those who were 
after him. 

Cir cu late, v. a. to cause to move 
round. 

The law punishes those who circulate 
counterfeit money, knowing it to be such. 

v. n. to move round. 

The news brought by the express, circula- 
ted rapidly through the city. 

The circulation of the blood through the 
body, was discovered by Dr. Wm. Harvey, 
and he made it known in the year 1619. 

Cir cum' fe rence, n. the line by 
which a circle is bounded. 

Cir cum stance, n. something which 
is outward that attends a thing, or 
belongs to it, or happens to it, or 
may be thought or said about it. 

The goodness of the roads, the pleasant- 
ness of the weather, the agreeable company, 



CIV 



and the fine country and towns through which 
we passed, were ch-cumstances that made the 
journey a very delightful one. 

No circumstance in the history of Joseph is 
more affecting than the one of his making 
himself known to his brethren. 

Richard told every thing that happened in 
the dispute between the boys, all that they 
^aid and all that they did. He gave a very 
circumstantial account of it. 

When we. speak of a man's circumstances, 
we* mean his condition in life as to property 
and the means of living; as, he is in easy 
circumstances, he is in low circumstances. 

Cite, v. a. to call one by authority to 
appear at some place. 

The witness was cited to come before the 
court, and give his testimony. 

to take or repeat the words of another, 
as such. 

In his sermon, he cited many beautiful pas- 
sages from the Bible. 

Cit i zen, n. an inhabitant of a city. 

In the United States this word also means, 
a person, whether a native or a foreigner, who 
has those things which give him a right to 
vote for rulers, and to -buy and own houses, 
lands, and such kind of property. 

Civil, a. where men live together 
under one government we call 
those affairs civil affairs- that are 
regulated by certain laws distinct 
from the laws which govern sol- 
diers ; which punish criminals ; 
and which control religious bodies 
of men. 

By a civil war is meant not a war between 
one nation and another, but among those who 
belong to the same nation. 

treating others well, and in a kind 
and obliging manner. 

I asked a boy where Mr. B. lived. He 
said he would show me, and he went with 
me through several streets to the house. He 
was very civil. 



48 CLA 

The inhabitants of Paris are re'markable 
for their civility to strangers. 

Civ'il Ize, v. a. to raise men from a 
savage or barbarous condition to 
one in which they live in cities 
and towns ; have the arts and sci- 
ences, schools and the means of 
improvement, many conveniences 
and comforts ; and treat females as 

l companions. 

The inhabitants of the Sandwich islands 
have, of late years, made considerable pro- 
gress in civilization-, 

Claim, v. a. for a person to say that 
he must have a thing because it of . 
right belongs to him. 

Frank claimed the. marbles which John 
found, for he said he had lost them. 

When the English set up a claim to tax 
the Americans, the latter resisted it, and this 
led to the independence of the United States. 

Clam or, n. loud, noisy sounds made 
by the human voice. 

While the boys were playing ball, a dis- 
pute arose, and they all began to talk at once. 
There was such a clamor for a little while 
that they did not hear what each other said. 

The man doubted whether what the beg- 
gar told him was true, he was so clamorous in 
asking for charity. 

The poor, hungry children got round their 
mother and clamored for food. 

Clash, v. n. for one thing to strike 
abruptly and forcibly against anoth- 
er, often with a loud noise. 

In ancient times when two armies rushed to- 
gether in battle, their swords and shields 
clashed terribly. 

to act or be contrary to each oriier. 

Some of the school-committee wished to 
have one young man for a teacher, and others 
of the committee a different one. They could 
not agree. Their opinions clashed, and they 
made no choice. 



CLE 



Class, n. a number of persons or 
things which are separated from 
others, and arranged together, be- 
cause they are more or less like 
each other. 

In our colleges there are four classes of stu- 
dents. 

Among animals, the tiger and the cat belong 
to the same class. 

He had a hundred scholars in his school, of 
both sexes and various ages, and found it al- 
most impossible to class them. 

Clause, n. a number of words in a 
sentence taken together, and which 
cannot be separated by any stop ; 
as, See the tall corn, how it waves 
in the wind. The first clause in 
this sentence is, " See the tall corn." 

sentences, and short distinct parts of 
writings or books, are also called 
clauses. 

Clean, a. free from dirt and filth. — 
pure, holy, free from the guilt and 
power of sin. 

David prayed, " Create in me a clean heart, 
O God, and renew a right spirit within me." 

Clear, a. free from every thing which 
'can hinder the light from shining 
upon it, through it, or from it ; as a 
clear mirror, a clear stream, the 
clear sun. 

not having any thing mixed with it. 

She drinks clear tea, without sugar or milk 
in it. 

He strewed some fine, clear sand on the 
floor ; there was no dirt, nor gravel with it. 

free from; as a field clear of stones, a 
clear path, clear of blame, clear of 
debt. 

God will not clear the guilty, but will pun- 
ish them unless they are sorry for their sins. 
4 



49 CLO 

plain to be seen by the mind, and ea- 
sily understood ; as, a clear ac- 
count, a clear argument. 

Cleave, v. n. to stick to closely. 

When Naomi returned from Moab to her 
own country, Orpah, one of her daughters- 
in-law, would not go with her, but Ruth the 
other one clave to her, and went with her to 
Bethlehem. 

Cleave, v. a. to split or divide violent- 

The log of wood was so hard and knotty 
that he could not cleave it without a wedge. 

Clev er, a. able to do or accomplish 
a thing readily and ingeniously. 

He is very clever m drawing, although he 
has had little or no instruction. 

In many parts of the United States, this word 
more usually means, a good natured. honest, 
obliging man, but not remarkable for his pow- 
ers of mind. 

ClI mate, n. a portion of the earth 
lying between two parallels of lati- 
tude. 

the general state of the weather in a 
place or country, as being hot or 
cold, dry or wet, healthy or un- 
healthy, pleasant or unpleasant. 

Close, v. a. to bring together, to shut. 
— to bring to an end. 
He closed his address at eight, o'clock. 
The close of his sermon was very .eloquent. 

v. n. to come together. 

• After they abandoned the ship, it sunk and 
the waves closed over it. 

to end. 

The reign of Charles the fifth, Emperor of 
Germany and king of Spain, closed by his giv- 
ing up his power, and going into retirement in 
a monastery. He died in the year 1553. 

Close, a. shut fast so as to have no 
opening. 

The doors and windows of the house 



CLU 

were all close, so that the rain did not beat 
into it. 

quite near to. 

The two neighbors live close to each other. 

kept from being known, secret. 

Several wicked men formed a plan to rob a 
house, but one of them could not keep it close, 
and they were all found out and arrested. 

stingy, holding fast to money. 

He is. so close that he would not give a cent 
to those who had lost all their property by the 
fire, and were in great suffering. 

with no wandering of .mind, attentive. 

When one undertakes to study, he should 
keep close to his lesson. 

Clown, n. a person who is ill-bred, 
rough, coarse, and awkward in his 
manners. 

Cloy, v. a. to give or take so much of 
that which is pleasant, as to make 
the taking of more disagreeable. 

While their mother was absent, the children 
ate so much cake that it almost made them 
sick, and it so cloyed their appetite that they 
did not wish to eat any again for a long time. . 

Clum sy, a. ill-shapen, moving heav- 
ily, slowly, and awkwardly. 

The large wooden shoes which are worn by 
many of the poor people in France, are very 
heavy and clumsy. 

His fingers were so short and thick, that he 
held his pen badly, and wrote clumsily. 

Clus ter, n. a bunch, a number of 
things of the same kind growing 
together, or joined together. 

When the spies went out from .among the 
Israelites to see what kind of a country Ca- 
naan was, it took two of them to bring back 
from Eshcol a single cluster of grapes, it was 
so heavy. 

a number of persons, or of animals, 
collected together. 

Soon after the mail arrived there was a large 
cluster of men and boys at the Post-Office. 



50 



COL 



When James returned from college, m the 
vacation, and got out of the stage coach, all his 
younger brothers and sisters ran and clustered 
round him, they were so glad to see him. 

Coarse, a. thick and large of its kind, 
not fine ; as coarse thread, coarse 
hair, coarse hand in writing. 

not smooth, nor soft ; as coarse pa- 
per, a coarse painting. 

not gentle and refined in manners, 
saying and doing things in such a 
way as to hurt the feelings of oth- 
ers. 

He called his friend whom he met in the 
street by a nick-name, slapped him on the 
shoulder, and accosted him in a very coarse 
manner. 

Coast, n. the edge or side of the land 
which is next to the sea. 

The captain of the ship being unacquainted 
with the coast, did not dare to approach it. 

the outside line or border of a coun- 
try. 

Moses said to the Israelites, " From the wil- 
derness, and Lebanon, from the river, the 
river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea, 
shall your coast be." 

They discovered an unknown island, and 
coasted along it for many miles before they 
could find a harbor. 

Coin, n. money which is stamped by 
order of the government, as gold 
eagles, silver dollars, and copper 
cents. 

In ancient times they had no coined money. 
When they bought and sold, they weighed the 
gold and silver which they used for money. 

Col lect, v. a. to bring together dif- 
ferent persons or things, for some 
particular purpose. 

Mary has been collecting some of the pret- 
tiest flowers in the garden into a bunch to 
give to her mother. 



COM 



51 



Cyras, king of Persia, spent many years in 
collecting soldiers into a great army, with 
which he conquered Babylon. 

One of the largest collections of books in the 
world is in the National Library at Paris, 
which contains three hundred and fifty thou- 
sand printed volumes. 

Col lis' ion, (col lizh un,) n. the strik- 
ing togetherforcibly of two bodies. 

At a turn of the rail-road, two trains of cars 
came suddenly into collision, and several of 
the passengers were badly hurt, though no 
lives were lost. 

Col o ny, n. a number of people who 
leave a country, and go to live to- 
gether in a place more or less dis- 
tant,, but who are still under the 
government of the country which 
they have left. 

The state of New-York was originally set- 
tled by a colony from Holland, in the year 
1614. 

the country where a colony settles. 

The Plymouth colony, the oldest in New- 
England, was settled by a company of persons 
from England, in the year 1620. 

Com bat, n. a fighting against each 
other, of men or of beasts, — more 
commonly where two only are en- 
gaged. 

In ancient battles, it often happened that the 
leaders of the two armies encountered each 
other in combat. 

The duel was a bloody one ; for both the 
combatants were killed on the spot. 

Com bine, v. a. andw. to join together 
for some particular purpose. 

The two generals combined their forces be- 
fore they commenced their attack upon the 
place. 

His amiable disposition, his agreeable man- 
ners, and his instructive conversation com- 
bined to make him an interesting companion. 

Be careful to avoid all combinations for do- 
ing what is wrong. 



COM 

Com bus ti ble, a. easily taking fire, 
so as to burn. 

The cotton factory took fire, and being 
full of combustible matter, was quickly con- 
sumed. 

Come' ly, (cum ly,) a. pleasing to 
the eye from its form, color, and 
proportion, — usually applied to 
persons. 

She is not very beautiful, but has an agree- 
able countenance, and is a comely lady. 

becoming, suitable. 

" Praise is comely to the upright." 

Com' fort, (cum fort,) v. a. kindly to 
strengthen and encourage one who 
is in pain or trouble, to bear it and 
to hope for relief. 

When Jacob was in deep affliction because 
he thought an evil beast had devoured Joseph, 
" all his sons and all his daughters rose up to 
comfort him." 

Com' fort, (cum fort,) n. encourage- 
ment and support to one who is in 
pain or trouble. 

The Bible affords much comfort to those in 
affliction who put their trust in God. 

the pleasant feeling of ease which 
we have, when freed from pain, 
trouble, or inconvenience, or when 
some want is supplied. 

The young man had been confined to his 
chamber by sickness for several weeks. To 
get out of the sick room, to breathe the fresh 
air, to see the many cheerful things around 
him, and to take the gentle exercise which 
the easy motion of the chaise gave him, were 
all comforts for which he felt truly thankful. 

Much more pains should be taken to make 
school-houses comfortable and pleasant. 

Com i cal, a. droll, odd, causing 

laughter. 
Com mand, v. a. for one who has the 



COM 



52 



right, to tell another to do, or not 
to do something. 

God commands all men to repent of sin 
and forsake it. 

God gave from Mount Sinai the Ten Com- 
mandments which we are all bound to obey. 

to lead as chief, to govern. 

General Wolfe commanded the English 
forces which defeated the French, and took 
Quebec from them in the year 1759. He was 
killed in the battle. 

Com mem o rate, v. a. to say and do 
things in a becoming and serious 
manner, in order to keep alive the 
remembrance of some person, ac- 
tion, or event. 

In the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, 
Christians commemorate the death of Christ. 

Com mence, v.- a. £$■ n. to begin. 

Violent quarrels often commence in little 
things. 

Com mend, v. a. to speak well of. 

Mary's mother commended her for doing 
her sewing so neatly. 

We ought not to seek to be praised and flat- 
tered ; but it is right, when we conduct well, 
to be pleased with the commendation of the 
wise and good. 

to speak of as deserving attention or 
kindness. 

He gave Frank a letter of introduction, in 
which he commended him to his friend as a 
very worthy young man. 

to intrust to. 

Our Saviour, when dying on the cross, 
said; "Father, into thy hands I commend 
my spirit." 

Com merce, n. the exchanging of 
* goods and property of all kinds be- 
tween different countries and 
states. 

A ship carries cotton from the United 
States to France, and brings back silk and 
cloths. She is engaged in commerce. 



COM 

That which relates to commerce is called 
commercial. 

News was received in New York that the 
vessels which had sailed to China, arrived 
there safely. It was commercial news. 

Com mit, v. a. to put a person or 
thing under the care or power of 
another. 

The father, during his absence from home, 
committed the management of his business to 
his eldest son. 

Saul re'ceived from the chief priests a com- 
mission to persecute the Christians at Da- 
mascus. 

to put in any place to be kept safe. 

The man who was committed to prison 
will have to stay there three months before 
he has his trial. 

Sarah has committed her lesson to memory, 
and can repeat it although it is a very long 
one. 

to do some wrong thing. 

We are told in the Bible that Saul, king of 
Israel, died for his transgression which he 
committed against the Lowl. 

Intemperance leads to the commission of 
almost every crime. 

Com mo di ous, a. well suited to our 
wants, so as to accommodate us, — 
amply convenient. 

The church is spacious, well-lighted, with 
comfortable and well-arranged seats, and is 
very commodious for a large congregation. 

Com mod i ty, n. any thing which 
can be bought and sold, goods, 
merchandise. 

Com mon, a. belonging equally to 
two or more. 
Death is the common lot of all. 

belonging to no particular person, but 
to the public. 

The beautiful green in the center of the 
city, is common to all the citizens as a place 
for walking. 



COM 

usual, accustomed to be done. 

It is common in some parts of Europe to 
see the women at work in the fields. 

Schools commonly open at nine o'clock in 
the morning. 

not rare or distinguished, of little 
worth. 

He thinks, or says, nothing new or striking. 
He has a very common mind. 

Com mu ni cate, v. a. to give a part 
or share of what one has to an- 
other. 

He seems to take great pleasure in com- 
municating knowledge to the young. 

to tell what is not known. 

He offered to communicate the secret of 
making the ink, if they would pay him for 
doing it. 
v. n. to have the means of passing 
from one to another. 

The two towns were on the opposite sides 
of the river, and communicated by a bridge. 

Com mu ni ty, n. a number pf per- 
sons taken together, who have the 
same laws, rights, interests, or 
privileges. 

Every member; of a community is bound to 
act for the good of the whole. 

Com pare, v. a. to bring things or 
persons together, to see in what re- 
spects they are alike, or unlike 
each other. 

John took his slate in one hand and Ed- 
ward's in the other, and compared them. He 
found Edward's to be larger, smoother, and 
better than his. 

Plutarch has written the lives of many 
celebrated Greeks and Romans, and compar- 
ed them with each other ; as Aristides and 
Cato, Alexander and Julius Cesar. 

We should be very careful in common con- 
versation how we make comparisons be- 
tween one person and another. 

We call that comparative which is found out 



53 



COM 



to belong to a thing or person, by comparing 
it with something else. 

Although not a very good scholar, his com- 
parative rank in the school is high, the other 
scholars being much inferior to him. 

Com' pass, (cum pass,) v. a. to go 
quite round. 

The Israelites, under the command of 
Joshua, compassed the city of Jericho seven 
times in one day. 

to stretch or extend quite round. 

The walls which compassed the city of 
Babylon, are said by some to have been sixty 
miles round, three hundred feet high, and 
seventy -five feet thick. 

to accomplish. 

Clodius, a base and wicked Roman, used 
many arts in order to get Cicero banished, 
and at length compassed his design. 

Com' pass, (cum pass,) n. the boun- 
dary of a space, and the space 
within it. 

He was in prison, and was not permitted to 
walk beyond the compass of its small yard. 

I answered his letter, and told him I would 
finish the business within the compass of a 
week. 

the instrument by which a captain 
knows how to steer his ship. 

Com pas sion, n. a tender and pain- 
ful feeling at the sufferings of oth- 
ers, with a desire to relieve them. 

The good Samaritan had compassion on 
the man who fell among thieves, and bound 
up his wounds, and had him taken care of. 

When a leper came desiring to be cleans- 
ed, our Saviour was compassionate towards 
him, and healed him. 

Com pel, v. a. to make a person by 
force do that which he does not 
wish to do. 

The violent snow storm blocked up the 
roads, and compelled us to wait three days 
before we could proceed on our journey. 
The prodigal son, having spent foolishly fell 



COM 54 

that his father gave him, was in great distress 
and compelled to hire himself out to feedswine. 
A child who loves his parents will obey 
their commands without any compulsion. 

Com pen sate, or com pen sate, v. a. 
to give what is equal in value to ; 
as to compensate a person for a 
loss, an injury, or a service per- 
formed. 

Com pet i tor, n. one who strives to 
get that which another, at the same 
time, is striving to get, and which 
only one of them can have. 

William the Conqueror defeated Harold, his 
competitor for the crown of England, at the 
battle of Hastings, in the year 1066, and him- 
self became king. 

Sad accidents often happen on account of 
the competition between steam-boats, to see 
which will go the fastest. 

Com plain, v. n. to tell others that 
one is uneasy and not satisfied 
with some person or thing. 

An apprentice complained to Ids father, 
that the man. with whom he lived did not 
give him good food. 

Those who are often making complaints 
will find but few to listen to them. 

to accuse before a magistrate. 

The farmer went to the justice, and com- 
plained of the boys who had robbed his or- 
chard. 
to let it be known that one feels pain 
or sorrow. 

He suffered greatly during his sickness, 
but was veiy patient and did not complain. 

Com plete, a. not wanting in any 
thing, — being so that nothing can 
be added or done to it, to make it 
better or worse. 

The little bird, when it makes its nest, 
keeps adding to it one thing after another, sucii 
as straw, and clay, and wool, until it is a 



COM 

soft, warm, clean and complete habitation for 
its young. 

He is always civil, well-bred, and obliging 
to others. He is a complete gentleman. 

Com plete, v. a. to finish, so that 
nothing more need be added or 
done to it. 

The great church of St. Paul's in London, 
was planned by Sir Christopher Wren, about 
the year 1666, but was not completed till 
thirty -five years afterwards. 

Com ply, v. n. not to oppose or re- 
sist, but to yield to the will, the 
wishes, the requests, or the com- 
mand of another. 

John was very desirous of going to play, 
but he complied with the wishes of his broth- 
er, and staid at home to assist him in piling 
up the wood. 

A merchant received from another mer- 
chant in a distant city, an order to purchase ten 
hogsheads of molasses, and he immediately 
complied with it. 

I asked him in the letter to take some pains 
to get- a certain book for me, and told him that 
his compliance with my request would greatly 
oblige me. 

He has so compliant a disposition that he is 
in great danger from evil companions. 

to do what one has promised or en- 
gaged to do. 

He bound himself to build and finish the 
house, in six months, for three thousand dol- 
lars. He did it faithfully and well by that 
time. He complied with the contract. 

Com pose, v. a. to make one body or 
thing, by putting together two or 
more persons or things. 

We met a very pleasant, circle of friends 
last evening. It was composed both of the 
,old and the young. 

• Letters compose syllables ; syllables, words ; 
and words, sentences. 

to write down one's own thoughts or 
feelings. 



COM 



55 



CON 



Buny.in composed the Pilgrim's Progress 
when he was in prison. 

If you wish to write a good composition, find 
out first what you mean to say. 

to make quiet or calm. 

While others were greatly alarmed during 
a violent storm at sea, one little boy had his 
fears quite composed by thinking that his fa- 
ther was at the helm. How much more, then, 
ought we to have composure in seasons of dan- 
ger, by trusting in our Heavenly Father, who 
rules over all things. 

Com pound', v. a. to take different 
things, and mix them together, so 
as to form one mass. 

The apothecary compounds his medicines 
according to the prescriptions of the physi- 
cian. 

The words grist and mill make the com- 
pound word grist-mill. 

Com pre hend, v. a. to take together 
so as to include. 

The Middle States of the Union compre% 
hend New-York, .New-Jersey, Pennsylvania,' 
and Delaware. 

The Bible comprehends the Old and New 
Testaments. 

to understand, to take the meaning of. 

The book was so full of hard words that Wil- 
liam could comprehend but very little of it. 

God does many great and wonderful things 
which are far beyond our comprehension. 

Com prise, v. a. to take together, so 
as to include or contain. 

His assortment of goods comprises a great 
variety. 

He says but little, but what he does say com- 
prises a great deal of meaning. 

Com pute, v. a. to find out, by calcu- 
lating, how much several particu- 
lars will amount to. 

A man wish°d to know what he should have 
to pay out for his family for one year. He set 
down how much it would cost for clothes, for 
food, for fuel, for rent, for the schooling of his 
children, and other things, and computed that 



it would probably amount to one thousand dol- 
lars. At the close of the year, he found that 
his computation was very nearly correct. 

Con ceal, v. a. not to tell of a thing, 
to keep it from being known. 

It was found out after his death, that he had 
given away a great deal in charity, but he 
always kept his name concealed. 

The concealment from others of that which 
they have no right to know, is not wrong. 

to hide, or keep out of sight. 

Before Moses was put into the ark of bul- 
rushes, he was concealed by his mother three 
months. 

Con cede, v. a. for on* to give up 
something which another asks or 
claims. 
One man used to drive his cattle to water 
through his neighbor's pasture, and said he 
had a right to do it. His neighbor knew that 
he had no such right, but for the sake of peace 
conceded to him the privilege. 

to allow that a thing is as another 
claims it to be. 

John said it was needless to say any thing 
more to show that he was mistaken. He was 
willing to concede it. 

Samuel was charged with having done 
wrong ; but although he knew it was so, he 
was obstinate and would make no concessions. 

Con ceil, n. the thinking about some- 
thing in an odd and whimsical 
manner. • 

It was a strange conceit of an insane man, 
that he thought himself glass and was afraid 
to be moved lest he should be broken. 

a vain and too high an opinion of one's 
self. 

He is- full of conceit, talking continually 
about himself— what he has done, and what 
he intends to do. 

Nobody thinks much of a conceited person, 
excepting himself. 

Con ceive, v. a. to form ideas in the 
mind. 



CON 



56 



CON 



I shut my eyes, and think of an elephant | 
which I saw two months ago. I conceive the 
manner in which he looked, and walked, and 
acted. 

He sat down to think of the new house 
which he intended to build. He thought how- 
large he would have it, and how he would 
have all the rooms in it arranged. He con- 
ceived the plan of the house, and then drew 
it on paper. 

As he was going, he alluded to something 
which he had told me a long time since, but 
I could not conceive what he meant. 

It is very difficult to give young persons a 
true conception, of the value of time. 

o. n. to think, or have an opinion. 

He conceives that he has been very much 
injured by what has been said about him. 

Con cern, v. a. to relate to, to belong to. 

Try to become thoroughly acquainted with 
every thing which concerns your business. 

Audubon has published a splendid work 
concerning birds. 

He said it belonged to his neighbor to see 
that he had a good side-walk before his house, 
and that it was no concern of his. 

to relate to a person, so as to bring 
good or evil to him. 

It concerns us deeply to know who God 
is, and what we must do to obtain his favor. 

to take an interest in. 

He concerns himself much in the improve- 
ment of the public schools. 

He is an excellent father, and feels a deep 
concern in the welfare of his children. 

To feel concerned about what may happen, 
is to be anxious about it. 

Con cert, v. a. for several persons to 
agree together upon something 
which is to be done, usually with- 
out letting others know it. 

The prisoners concerted a plan to make 
their escape from the jail. 

Con cert, n. agreement to act together. 

There was a concert among several wicked 
men to set fire to some houses for the sake 
of plunder. 



the acting together of persons who 
agree so to do. 

At the same time that the land forces at- 
tacked the towm, the armed vessels attacked 
it also. They acted in concert. 

Con cil i ate, v. a. to gain, by gentle 
and winning means, the good will 
and favor of a person. 

Jacob, expecting to meet his brother Esau 
who had been offended with him, sent him 
many valuable presents to conciliate his af- 
fection. 

to lead persons to be friendly to each 
other who have had disputes or 
quarrels. 

When the Romans and Sabines w r ere fight- 
ing each other furiously, the wives of the 
Romans, who were Sabine women, rushed be- 
tween the combatants, and by their entreaties 
and tears conciliated them. They became 
friends, and agreed to live together in Rome. 

0Con else, a. saying or writing things 
in a very short manner, using as 
few words as possible to tell what 
one means. 

Julius Cesar gave this concise account 
of one of his victories ; " I came, I saw, I 
conquered." 

Con elude, v. a. to bring to an end. 

As he concluded his address, almost every 
one was in tears. 

The stoiy is an interesting one, but the 
conclusion of it so sad that I do not . like to 
read it. 
to make up one's mind to do, or not 
to do something, after having 
thought about it. 

Eliza was invited to spend a week at he* 
cousin's, and her mother concluded to let hei 
go. 

to make up one's mind that a thing is 
true, because we see a good rea- 
son for thinking so. 



CON 57 



CON 



He has taken down his sign, and I con- 
clude that he does not intend to keep tavern 
any longer. 

His argument was so conclusive that no one 
attempted to make any reply to it. 
Con' course, (con cors,) n. a consid- 
erable collection of persons who 
are drawn together at the same 
time. 

When the balloon ascended, there was an 
immense concourse of people to see it. 
Con cur, v. n. to agree in thought or 
action. 

One of the men thought it was best to make 
the road through a thick wood, and the others 
concurred with him in opinion. 

Two men were in business together. One 
of them had something very important to do 
in their affairs, and wrote to the other who 
was from home, to get his concurrence. 

Con demra, v. a. to censure severely, 
to say that a thing is utterly wrong. 

He treated his mother with great disrespect, 
and every one condemned his conduct. 

to declare one guilty and pronounce 
his punishment. 

He was found guilty of murder, and the 
judee condemned him to death. 

The Bible assures us that there is no con- 
demnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, — 
that is, to those who receive him as their 
Saviour, and follow his example. 

Con dense, v. a. to bring the parts of 
any thing more closely together ; 
to make more solid. 

Frank kept squeezing the snow in his 
hands till he condensed it, and made a hard 
snow-ball. 

Hold a plate over the steam which comes 
from a tea-kettle, and you will soon sea the 
steam becoming condensed into drops of 
water. 

The teacher told Charles that he had 
drawn out his thoughts too much, and used 
too many words. He told him to condense 



his thoughts, and make his composition more 
concise. 

Con de scend, v. n. for a superior, in 
a kind and obliging manner, to do 
that for an inferior which .the latter 
has no right to claim. 

When little children were brought to 
Christ, he condescended to take them in his 
arms, and blessed them. 

It is great condescension in God to notice, 
and take care of beings so weak and sinful 
as we are. 

Con di' tion, (con dish un,) n. the cir- 
cumstances in which a person is 
placed, at a certain time, with re- 
gard to his being rich or poor, high 
or low, happy or unhappy, well or 
sick ; and also the circumstances 
which, at a certain time, make a 
thing good or bad, convenient or 
inconvenient, useful or useless, 
valuable or worthless. 

David, when a youth, was the keeper of his 
father's flocks at Bethlehem. He was in a 
humble and obscure condition. He after- 
wards rose to the high station of being King 
of Israel. 

The Christian religion has greatly improved 
the condition of females. 

He wishes to rent his house. It has a 
very healthful and pleasant situation. It is 
well built, and the brick and wood work are in 
a good state. But many of the panes of glass 
are broken ; some of the doors are off the 
hinges ; most of the rooms need painting ; 
and it is not fit to be occupied in its present 
condition. 

something to be done in order that 
something else be done. 

His farm is to be sold at auction. The 
conditions of the sale are, that one half of the 
money for which it is sold shall be paid in six 
months, and the other half in twelve. When 
this is all done, the purchaser will have a 



CON 58 



CON 



deed of the farm. Such a sale is said to be 
conditional. 

Con duce, p. n. to help a thing for- 
ward. 

Exercise in the open air conduces to 
health. • 

A cheerful disposition conduces much to 
happiness. 

His obliging manners have conduced to his 
success in business. 

Obedience to the parent, on the part of the 
older children, is very conducive to the good 
order of a family. 

Con duct, n. the good or ill behavior 
of a person. 

The boy often laughed and played at 
church. His conduct was unbecoming and 
wicked. 

There was a man who treated his neighbor 
in a very abusive and provoking manner, for a 
long time. But the latter bore it with great 
meekness, and always returned good for evil. 
His conduct was that of a Christian. 

Con duct, v. a. to lead and show the 
way. 

In the East, when persons are to be marri- 
ed, the bridegroom and a large company go 
out to meet the bride in the evening, and con- 
duct her from her father's house to that of 
the bridegroom. 

to carry on one's business. 

Though quite young when his father died, 
he had the charge of the farm, and conducted 
its affairs with great prudence and success. 

to behave well, or ill. 

He conducted so well while a clerk, that 
his employer took him into partnership. 

Confer, v. n. to talk with others, on 
some important subject. 

When Festus had conferred with his coun- 
cil, he determined to send Paul to Rome, to 
be judged by Cesar. 

Several neighbors spent an evening together 
in conference about making a new road through 
their land, to shorten the distance to the 
mill. 

v. a. to give or bestow. 



Wherever Washington is known, every 
body confers on him the title of Father of his 
country. 

Con fess, v. a. for one to own to 
others that he is guilty of having 
done something wrong. 

" He that covereth his sins shall not pros- 
per, — but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them 
shall have mercy." 

David made confession of his sins to God 
with deep penitence, and prayed to be for- 
given. 

to acknowledge a thing to be so. 

He said, he was sorry to say it, but confess- 
ed that he had no fondness for music. 

To confess Christ before men, is to ac- 
knowledge him as our Saviour. 

Con fide, v. n. to feel entirely safe in 
putting ourselves, or something 
that is dear to us under the direc- 
tion or care of another, because he 
is honest and capable, and, in some 
cases, has a peculiar affection for 
us. 

Children should confide in their parents, 
because no body else loves them so much, or 
usually knows so well what is best for them. 

" It is better to trust in the Lord than to 
put confidence in princes." 

A father once wished to see if his little 
daughter fully confided in his word. He told 
her to throw a string of pretty beads which 
she had into the fire, and said, if she would, 
he would give her something much more val- 
uable. She did it immediately, and thus 
showed that she had entire confidence in his 
promise. 

v. a. to commit something to one's 
charge, feeling that it is safe to 
lo so, because he is honest and 
capable. 

Pharaoh made- Joseph governor of Egypt, 
and confided to him the management of the 
affairs of the kingdom. 

When a person has a great deal of assur- 



CON 



59 



CON 



ance, and shows that he feels as if he could 
do almost any thing, we say, he has too much 
confidence. - 

Con fi dent, a. having no doubt, being 
sure that a thing is so. 

He said he was as confident that what his 
friend told him was true, as if he had seen it 
with his own eyes. 

" A wise man feareth, and departeth from 
evil ; but the fool rageth, and is confident." 

too bold and forward. 

He was so confident, that although very- 
young, he sent some poetry of his own wri- 
ting to a distinguished man, with whom he 
had no acquaintance, requesting him to have 
it published. 

Con fi den tial, a. worthy of being 
confided in. 

If you have found a confidential friend, you 
have found a treasure. 

to be kept in confidence, not to be 
told. 

I can read to you every part of his letter 
except the postscript, which he says nobody 
must know. It is strictly confidential. ^ 

Con fine, v. a. to keep within certain 
bounds, so that a person or thing is 
not to go beyond them. 

The prisoner was confined to his cell. 

He has been confined to his bed three 
weeks. 

He confines himself too closely to his books. 

He said he had a great deal to tell us about 
Philadelphia, but must confine his remarks, 
at that time, to the Chinese Museum. 

Con firm, v. a. to make a thing 
stronger, and more sure. 

The report of the loss of the ship was, at 
first, doubted ; but the news which came 
afterwards confirmed it. 

He who studies the Bible diligently and 
prayerfully, and lives as it tells him to do, 
will be more and more confirmed in his belief 
of its truth. 
' What he says may be true, but it needs 

confirmation. 



to make a thing quite strong and sure, 
to fix, to settle. 

His disease and weakness have entirely 
left him, and his health is fully confirmed. 

His insanity has continued for twenty 
years, and appears to be confirmed beyond 
the hope of cure. 

Con flict, n. the striking or dashing 
violently together of bodies which 
are moving so as to meet. 

There was a furious storm, and the con- 
flict of the waves, as they rushed against 
each other, w r as terrible. 

The two armies met and charged each other 
at the point of the bayonet. The conflict 
was severe and bloody. 

The father told the child to do one thing, 
and the mother told it to do another. Their 
commands conflicted, and the poor child did 
not know what to do. 

a striving or struggle in the mind or 
feelings. 

Robert often had violent fits of anger. He 
knew he ought not to feel so. He strove, he 
prayed against being angry. It was a hard 
conflict for him, but he got, at length, the vie 
tory over his passion. 

Con form, v. n. to think, feel, or act, 
according to some rule or example 

We should conform to the customs of the 
people among whom we live, so far as we 
can do it innocently. 

Though Frederick w T as as old as the teacher, 
he cheerfully conformed to all the rules of the 
school. 

Christians should pray and strive to make 
their conduct conformable to the example of 
Christ. 

Moses made the tabernacle in exact con- 
formity w ith the pattern which God had shown 
him in the mount. 

Con found', v. a. to mix things to- 
gether in a disorderly way so that 
one is liable to be mistaken for an- 
other. 



CON 60 

The Bible tells us that God confounded the 
language of the men who were building the 
tower of Babel, so that they could not under- 
stand what each other said. 

to throw the thoughts and feelings 
into a disorderly state, to amaze 
greatly. 

On the day of Pentecost, the multitude 
who had come to Jerusalem from different 
parts of the world, were greatly confounded, 
because each one heard the disciples of 
Christ speaking in his own language. 

Con fuse, v. a. to break up arrange- 
ment, to throw into disorder. 

A little child played with the papers on his 
father'^ desk, and confused them so much 
that it took a long time to put them in order 
again. 

The troops were suddenly attacked on their 
march, and thrown into great confusion, 

to throw the thoughts and feelings in- 
to disorder by shame, fear or some 
accusation. 

When he rose to speak before the large as- 
sembly, he blushed, hesitated, and appeared ( 
to be much confused. 

Con fiite, v. a. to show by argument 
or proof, that something which 
another advances is either not right, 
or not true. 

A number of persons came together to fix 
upon the place for a school-house. One gave 
some reasons for having it close by the road, 
where there would be no trees nor play -ground. 
Another showed that his reasons were not 
good. He confuted them, and proved that 
the school-house ought to stand on a small 
hill, in a beautiful, pleasant place. 

Con grat u late, v. a. for one person 
to tell another that he rejoices with 
him on account of some good which 
has happened to the latter. 

Mary had been sick for several weeks, and 
at length became well enough to go about the 



CON 

house. Several of her young, friends called 
to congratulate her on her recovery. 

Con g»ess, n. the Congress of the 
United States is made up of two 
parts— the Senate, and the House 
of . Representatives. Each State 
sends two senators, who are cho- ; 
sen for six years, and a certain 
number of representatives, chosen 
for two years, according to its num- 
ber of inhabitants. The Congress 
makes laws, and does many other 
things which are necessary in or- 
der to carry on the affairs of the 
government. 

Con jec ture, n. thinking that it is 
possible something may have hap- 
pened, or may yet happen, about* 
which there is much uncertainty. 

^ A loud noise was heard for a few seconds, 
J. at midnight. There were many conjectures 
about it. Some thought it was an earthquake ; 
and some, the blowing up of a powder mill. 
But it proved to be the cracking of the ice on 
the river. 

Edward, at a distance, saw a man passing 
through town in the stage-coach, and conjec- 
tured that it was his uncle. 

Con nect, v. a. to link or join things 
together. 

The links in a chain are connected. 

The oxen were connected by a yoke. 

Two places, thirty mdes distant from each 
other, have been connected by a rail-road. 

In telling the story he did not remember 
things well, but connected those together 
which happened at different times. 

Children are not apt to think what a close 
connection there is between what they do now, 
and what they will be hereafter. 

His family connections are among the mosfc 
respectable people in the place. 



CON 

Con nive, v. n. to seem not to see or 
know some wrong thing which 
another does. 

There was a teacher of a school, who was 
partial to two or three of the scholars. One 
day they went out without leave. He knew 
it, but connived at it, and did not call them 
to account for it. 
Con quer, v. a. for one to bring fully 
under his power persons or things 
that have resisted him. 

The Spaniards, under Fernando Cortes, 
conquered Mexico in the y6ar 1521, and treat- 
ad the natives with great cruelty. 

He was formerly addicted to profane swear- 
ing, but has completely conquered the habit. 

Con' science, (conshens,) n.the mind 
judging what is right or wrong in 
ourselves, and approving the for- 
mer, and condemning the latter. 
Use all the means in your power to find 
• out what you ought to do ; and be careful to 
do nothing which your conscience tells you is 
wrong. 

We call him who strictly follows his con- 
science in all things, a conscientious person. 

Con' scious, (con shus,) a. knowing 
and feeling a tiring to be true in 
one's own mind. 

We are conscious of hunger, of thirst, of 
pain, of pleasure, of innocence, of guilt, and 
the like. 

He was thrown from his horse, and lay for 
several hours as if he were dead and not con- 
scious of any thing. 

Con se crate, v. a. to set apart, in a 
solemn manner, s,ome person or 
thing for the service of God. 

Moses consecrated Aaron and his sons to be 
priests of the Lord, with many and striking 
ceremonies. 

Hezekiah, king of Judah, consecrated, at 
one time, six hundred oxen and three thou- 
sand sheep to be offered in sacrifice to the 
Lord. 



61 



CON 



Con sent, v. n. for one to give up, or 
yield, something which he has a 
right to refuse. 

James asked his father to let him attend a 
writing school in the evening, and his father 
consented. 

to agree with. 

When Stephen, the first martyr, was put to 
death, Saul was consenting to it. 

Con se quence, n. that which is caus- 
ed by something else, or follows 
from it. 

He was sick in consequence of eating too 
much fruit. 

He notices things very attentively, and the 
consequence is, he remembers them well. 

He did not love to work, or study, when he 
was young, and consequently he is now both 
a poor and ignorant man. 

Parents have a right to command ; and it 
follows as a consequence from this, that it is 
the duty of children to obey. 

When we say a thing is of great conse- 
quence, we mean that some great good, or 
evil will follow from it. When we say it is 
of little consequence, we mean that what fol- 
lows from it will not be of much importance. 

Con sid er, v. a. to think upon a thing 
very attentively and carefully. 

David says, " When 1 consider thy heavens, 
the work of thy fingers ; the moon and the 
stars, which thou hast ordained ; what is man 
that thou art mindful of him ?" 

" Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her 
ways, and be wise." 

Children are apt to do improper things from 
the want of consideration. 

to think upon kindly and aid. 

" Blessed is he that considereth the poor; 
the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." 

Con sid e ra ble, a. more than a little, 
and less than a great deal. 

It has not been a wet season this year 
though considerable rain has fallen. 

Con sist, v. n. to be made up of. 
A week consists of seven days. 



CON 

His library consists entirely of very an- 
cient books. 

The ship was approaching a rocky shore, 
and the safety of the crew consisted in keep- 
. ing a constant watch against danger. 

Con sis tent, a. agreeing with, con- 
formed to. 

He wished very much to accompany his 
friend on a journey, but could not, as it was 
not consistent with his business to leave home. 

Con sole, v. a. to relieve the feelings 
of one who is in affliction or trou j 
ble, in a kind and encouraging way. 

After the death of Lazarus, the friends of 
his sisters, Martha and Mary, came to console 
them. 

It was a great consolation to his parents 
that although he died among strangers, they 
treated him as if he had been a brother. 

Con spic u ous, a. easy to be seen. 

The White Mountains in New Hampshire 
are very conspicuous. 

greatly distinguished. 

Among English writers Addison is con- 
sidered one of the most conspicuous. 

Among the Romans Cato was conspicuous 
for his justice. 

Con spire, v. n. for several persons to 
join together secretly, for the ac- 
complishment of some wicked 
thing. 

Joseph's brethren were envious of him and 
hated him, and when they saw him at a dis- 
tance, they conspired to slay him. 

Julius Cesar was killed in the Senate 
house at Rome, by Brutus and the other con- 
spirators, forty -four years before Christ. 

to join in causing the same thing. 

He was poor, and without friends. He 
went but little to school, as he had to work 
hard for his living. Every thing, for a long 
time, seemed to conspire to keep him m a low 
condition. But he was industrious, upright, 
and resolute, and became a very respectable 
and useful man. 



62 



CON 



Con stant, a. keeping on without 
stopping. 

After the flood, God promised Noah that, 
while the earth remained, there should be a 
constant return, year after year, of seed-time 
and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer 
and winter, and day and night. 

fixed, firm, adhering to. 

Nothing is more constant than the affec- 
tion which a kind mother has for her child. 

Columbus was remarkable for constancy to 
his purpose. He met with great difficul- 
ties for many years, but persevered till he 
discovered America. 

Con sti tute, v. a. to make a thing to 
be what it is. 

A convenient building, a good teacher, in- 
dustrious and well-behaved scholars, and 
suitable books, are the chief things which 
constitute a good school. 

to appoint and give authority to. 

Our Saviour called unto him twelve of his 
followers, and constituted them to be his apos- 
tles. 

Con sti tu tion, n. what a thing con- 
. stantly is, because it is made up of 
certain things put together in a cer- 
tain way. 

We say a man has a good constitution, 
when the different things which make up his 
body have been so put together, and kept on 
their action, as to give him vigorous health. 
A person has a feeble constitution, when the 
state of his health is such that he cannot bear 
much labor or fatigue, and is often liable to 
weakness and sickness. 

those fixed laws according to which 
the government of a country must 
be carried on, and to which all oth- 
er laws that are made must con- 
form. 

The Constitution of the United States was 
made by the people, and can be altered by 
them only in the way which itself points out. 



Con strain, v. a. to stop a person from 
doing that which he wishes to do, 
or to make him do that which he is 
not inclined to do. 

He got so much in debt, that he was con- 
strained to sell the house in which he lived, 
and the farm round it, for less than their value. 
He wished to stay at home and read a new 
and interesting book, but the other boys, though 
with great difficulty, constrained him to go 
put and play with them. 
Con struct, v. a. to make a thing, by- 
putting together in a proper man- 
ner the several parts of which it is 
composed. 

The bees, without being taught, construct 
the cells in which they live and put their 
honey, with astonishing accuracy and skill. 

John is beginning to put a few Words to- 
gether in composition, but he cannot yet con- 
struct long sentences. 

%o put a construction upon what a person 
says or does, is to give what we think is its 
meaning. 

Con suit, v. a. to ask advice of. 

Before young persons undertake any im- 
portant business, they should consult those 
who are older and wiser. 

to seek information of. 

He said he did not recollect the year in 
which the battle of Marathon happened, but 
he would consult his books and see. 
to act with regard to. 

He who aims to do good, must learn- not to 
consult his own ease. 

v. n. for two or more persons to ad- 
vise together with regard to what 
is to be done. 

After hearing the arguments of the-lawyers, 
before giving their decision the judges consult- 
ed together in private. 

When the physicians had examined the sick 
man, they retired into another room, and held 
a long consultation on his case. 

Con sume, v. a. to make a thing be- 



63 CON 

come less and less, until it is quite 
gone. 

The poor family had consumed their last 
mouthful of food, when a kind lady came to 
their relief. 
to spend in a wasteful manner. 

His father left him a large estate, but he 
soon consumed it in extravagance. % 

He has so little application, that he con- 
sumes a great deal of time in getting his lesson. 

Con sump tion, n. a wasting and very- 
dangerous disease.— the act of 
consuming. 

The consumption of ardent spirits has very 
much decreased withh* a few years. 

Con ta gious, a. communicating dis- 
ease from one person to another, 
by touch or a near approach. — » 
when the bad example or influ- 
ence of one person corrupts oth- 
ers, it is said to be contagious. 

Con tain, v. a. to hold or keep within. 

The book contains a great many beautiful 
engravings. 

According to the census of 1840, the State 
of New York contains 2,428,921 inhabitants. 

Con tern plate, or con tem plate, v. a. 
to view with close, continued, and 
serious attention. 

When we contemplate the immortality of 
the soul, it is astonishing that men regard the 
present life so much, and the future so little. 

Frequent contemplation on the works of 
God, tends to keep the idea of his presence 
in our minds. 

to think of a thing with some expec- 
tation of doing it. 

He contemplates a voyage to Europe, if 
his business will allow it. 

Con tempt, n. regarding or treating 
a person or thing as exceedingly 
low, vile or worthless. 



CON 



64 



CON 



We should never treat with contempt those 
who conduct well, whatever their condition 
in life may be. 

He is not a good citizen who contemns any 
of the laws. 

What is deserving of contempt we call 
contemptible ; as, profane swearing is a con- 
temptible vice. 

That which shows contempt we call con- 
temptuous. 

Con tend, v. n. to strain or strive, in 
order to overcome. 

In the ancient games among the Greeks, 
those who wrestled or ran in the races, con- 
tended with all their might for the crown of 
victory.. 

Our Saviour reproved his disciples, because 
there had been a contention among them who 
should be the greatest. 

We call one who is much addicted to con- 
tention, and is quarrelsome, a contentious per- 
son. 

Con tent, a. happy in the enjoyment 
of what one has, without being 
uneasy for more. 

" Happy the man whose wish and care 

A few paternal acres bound, 
Content to breathe his native air 

In his own ground." 
" Godliness with contentment is great gain." 

Con test, n. a striving to overcome by 
argument, evidence, or force. 

There is sometimes a contest between two 
persons, each of whom claims that he has 
been chosen a member of Congress, in order 
to see which has a right to the seat. 

In the fifteenth century, there was a long 
and bloody contest between the houses (or 
families) of York and Lancaster, for the crown 
of England. 

Con tin ue, v. n. to stay in a place. 

James reproves those who feel so sure of 
living that they say, " To-day or to-morrow, 
we will go into such a city, and continue 
there a year, and buy, and sell, and get gain." 

to keep on without stopping. 

The earth has continued, ever since it was 



created, to turn round on its axis, once a day, 
and to go round the sun, once a year. 

The storm was violent while it lasted, but 
of short continuance. 

God's constant care of us, calls for our 
continual gratitude. 

v. a. to keep on doing. 

Although an old man, he continued his prac- 
tice as a physician among the circle of his 
friends. 

Con tract, v. a. to draw nearer togeth- 
er, or within narrower bounds. 

The muscles which move the fingers had 
been so long contracted, that he could not 
open his hand. 

He said he must contract his business, for 
he had more to do than he could possibly at- 
tend to. 

to draw upon one's self. 

He got many goods charged to him, and 
contracted large debts without the knowledge 
of his father. 

v. n. to shrink up, to grow short. 

If Frank lets go of that piece of india-rub- 
ber which he is stretching, it will contract. 
to make a bargain. 

He contracted with the farmer for ten bar- 
rels of winter apples at fifty cents a bushel. 

The house was well built and finished, ac- 
cording to cmltract. 

Con tra diet, v. a. to assert that what 
another says is not so. 

" Be slow to contradict others. 

to be contrary to. 

He said he was not angry, but any body 
could see that he was so from his very looks. 
His actions contradicted his language. 

Con tra ry, a. different from, oppo- 
sed to. 

The physician found fault with the sick 
man for acting contrary to his directions. 

Con trast, v. a. to set one thing over 
against another of the same kind, 
in order to show more distinctly 
some difference between them. 



CON 



The master contrasted the writing books 
of George and Edward. That of George was 
free from blots and mistakes, and the letters 
were made carefully and well ; while that of 
Edward was dirty and blotted, and full of mis- 
takes, and the letters were awkwardly made. 

What a con'trast between the acorn and the 
great oak which grows from it. 

Contrib ute, v. a. to give or do some- 
thing, in common with other per- 
sons or things. 

A little girl had laid up a dollar, which she 
contributed to aid the orphan children. 

He went to the springs, and found the use 
of the waters contributed veiy much to re- 
store him to health. 

Con trlve, v. a. to think out or plan 
some new way of doing a thing. 

The stream in front of the house was very 
much swollen, and Richard contrived a nice 
little bridge of boards by which to cross it. 
Con trol, v. a. to have power over, 
so as to check and direct. 

He rode a very spirited horse which was 
quite restless at the noise of the drums, and 
the sight of the soldiers, but being a skillful 
rider, was able to control him. 

He who is apt to be angry, must learn to 
control his passion, or he will soon be under 
a very hard master. 

His parents have no control over him, and 
I fear he is getting to be a very bad boy. 

Con vene, v. n. to come together on 
some public occasion. 

The two Houses of Congress convene at 
Washington annually in December. 

v. a. to call together on some public 
occasion. 

The President of the United States has 
power' to convene Congress at other than the 
usual times, if he thinks it necessary. 

Con ven' ient, (con ven yent,) a. agree- 
ing well with the condition or cir- 
cumstances of a person, or with 
what he has to do. 



65 CON 

When Paul reasoned before Felix of right 
eousness, temperance, and judgment to come, 
the latter said, " Go thy way, when I have a 
more convenient season, 1 will call for ihee.' ; 

The lame man rinds his crutches a great 
convenience to him. 

Con vert, v. a. to turn a person from 
one opinion, or course of conduct, 
to another. 

Before the ancient Britons were converted 
to Christianity, they worshipped idols anc 
offered up human sacrifices. 

His arguments were so convincing, that al 1 
who heard him became con'verts to his opin 
ion. 

to turn a thing from one use to anoth- 
er. 

The building was erected for a theatre, but 
was afterwards converted into a church. 

Con vey', (kon va,) v. a. to carry from 
one place to another by the help 
of something. 

Thousands of letters are conveyed every 
day in the mail from one part of the countiv 
to the other. 

Deaf-mutes convey their ideas to eac »■■ 
other by signs, and by spelling words on the: i 
fingers. 

Some have thought that balloons will yet b 
means of conveyance. 

When a person gives over his right to h 
thing, or his property, to another, we say h 
conveys it. 

Con vict, v. a. to prove or find guilty 
or wrong. 

The evidence of his guilt was so cleai 
that the jury convicted him of forgery withou 
leaving their seats. 

The con'victs in the prison are not permitte 
to converse with each other. 

Con vince, v. a. to make one feel tha 
a thing is true or false, right o» 
wrong, which he before doubte ! 
or denied. 
Apollos, while in Achaia, " mightily co ... 



COR 



vilified the Jews, and that publicly, showing 
by the Scriptures, that Jesus was Christ." 

Con voy'. v. a. to accompany for pro- 
tection, more usually by sea. 

The frigate which convoyed several mer- 
chant-vessels was separated from them in a 
gale, and one of them was taken by the ene- 
my. 

Con vulse, v. a. to twitch and shake 
suddenly, so as to put in violent 
motion. 

He was convulsed with laughter for so long 
a time, that they were almost afraid he would 
go into a fit. 

We call any irregular and violent move- 
ment a cojimilsion ; as of an earthquake, or of 
a body of people when greatly agitated. 

Co pi ous, a. giving or sending forth 
an abundance. 

It was a copious stream and afforded water 
enough for several mills. 

The old sailor often spoke of his adventures 
at sea, and the subject was so copious that it 
seemed as if he did not know when to stop. 

Cord'ial, (cord yal,) a. coming from 
the heart, — affectionate and sin- 
cere. 

He seemed to be truly glad to see me, and 
invited me to make his house my home. " He 
-jave me a very cordial reception. 

Cor rect, v. a. to change that which 
is wrong so as to make it right. 

There were so many words spelt wrong, 
and other mistakes in his composition, that it 
cook the teacher a long time to correct it. 

Avoid bad habits, for their correction is very 
•tifficult. 

to punish in order to make better. 

" Behold, happy is the man whom God cor- 
• ecteth." 

We call that correct, which is free from 
'">»ult, error, or mistake. 

0«'«r re spend, v. n. for one thing to be 
like another in some or all of their 
parts. 



66 COU 

That miniature of our friend corresponds 
well with the original. 

It is singular that his eyes do not corres- 
pond in color ; one is gray, and the other 
black. 

for one thing to be adapted or suited 
to another. 

The steeple is not high, and corresponds 
with the size of the church, which is a small 
one. 

His conduct does not correspond with his 
professions. 

for two persons to write letters back 
and forth to each other. 

He carries on so large a correspondence 
that he has to employ a clerk to copy his let- 
ters. 

Cor rupt, v. a. to change from good 
to bad. 

The knives and forks had lain so long in a 
damp closet, that the rust had corrupted thern 
very much. 

James used to be obedient to his parents, 
and fond of going to school. But he conducts 
very differently of late, and I am afraid he ia 
corrupted by a wicked companion. 

When our Saviour made his appearance on 
earth, men were exceedingly corrupt. 

v. n. to, become putrid and spoiled ; 

as, meat and vegetables corrupt by 

being kept too long. 
Coun' cil, n. a number of persons who 

come together, to consult with each 

other on some important affair. 

When the high-priest had convened the 
Jewish council, to consider what to do with 
the apostles, one of the council, Gamaliel, 
advised to let them alone. 

Coun' sel, n. deliberate advice on im- 
portant affairs. 

The proverb says, Young men for action 
and old men for counsel. 

consulting together. 

Before the general decided upon attacking 



cov 

the place, he called his officers together, and 
took counsel with them. 

Coun' te nance, v. a. to say or do 
something to favor, encourage, or 
uphold another. 

It was very wrong in the father, to counte- 
nance his son in treating the man with whom 
he lived w ith disrespect. 

Cour age, n. freedom from fear,— 
• power of mind to meet difficulty 
and danger firmly. 

Horatius Codes, standing alone at the head 
of abridge over the Tiber, defended it against 
a body of the Tuscans until his countrymen, 
the Romans, broke it down behind him, and 
thus prevented the enemy from taking the 
city. In honor of his courage, the Romans 
erected a brazen statue. 

Cowrse, n. the line in which a person 
or thing moves. 

The course of the river for ten miles, was 
directly south, and then turned to the east. 

ordei -of things following each other. 

The master heard the classes say their les- 
sons in course, beginning with the highest 
and ending with the lowest. 

He left home a year ago. He stayed two 
months in New-York doing nothing. He 
then went to Philadelphia, and opened a wri- 
ting school. A few weeks afterwards, he was 
in Pittsburg, a clerk in a store, and he is now 
said to be in New Orleans as a book-agent. 
His course of conduct is very singular. 

Cov' et, (kuv et,) v. a. to desire un- 
lawfully what belongs to another. 

" Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, 
tuou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor 
his man-servant, norhis maid-servant, nor his 
01, norhis ass, nor any thing that is thy neigh- 
bor's." 

We call him a covetous person who is very 
enger to lay up property, and very unwilling 
to part with it when he ought to do so. 

to desire earnestly what it is proper 
for us to have. 



67 CRE 

He is a hard student, and seems to oovet 
knowledge more than any thing else 
Craft, n. an art or trade. 

When Paul went to Corinth, he abode witi 
Aquila and Priscilla, and worked with them, 
because he was of the same craft. 

something done in an artful way, to 
deceive and take advantage of 
another. 

The boy pretended to have a tooth-ache, and 
tried to get leave to go home, but the master 
detected the craft, and would not dismiss him. 

The crafty person is ahnost always found 
out at last, and despised. 
We also call small sailing vessels, small craft. 

Cre ate, v. a. to make something to be 
which was not before. 

"In the beginning God created the heav- 
ens and. the earth." 

God is called the Creator, — all the beings 
and things that he has made, the creation, — 
and each one taken separately, a creature. 

Cred i ble, a. what may or ought to be 
believed. 

Some books for children contain stories 
which are too strange to be credible. 

Cred it, n. belief. 

He has told so many falsehoods, that no 
one now gives credit to what he says, even 
when he tells the truth. 

honor, reputation. 

Both the master and scholars, gained much 
credit from the examination of the school. 

trust in one that he will pay at some 
future time for wha.t he purchases. 

He bought a thousand dollars worth of 
goods on a credit of twelve months. 

Cred it, v. a. to believe. 

We should be slow to credit evil reports 
against others. 

to trust one that he will pay, in future, 
for what he purchases. 

He credited a neighbor goods to a large 
amount, and lost it all by his failure. 



CUL 68 

Cred u lous, a. apt to believe without 
sufficient evidence, not suspicious, 
easily deceived. 

He is so credulous, that he will believe 
almost any story that a beggar tells about his 
misfortunes, and give him money. 

Crime, n. the breaking of a law by- 
some very wicked act ; as the 
crime of robbery or murder. 

Crim i nal, a. sinful, — guilty of a 
crime. 

In the sight of God he is criminal who in- 
tends wrong, although he does not do it. 

Cru el, a. pleased at giving pain to 
others. 

He was a cruel boy. He loved to throw 
stones at the little birds on the trees ; and 
when he was a man, he showed great cruelty 
towards his wife and children. 

Cruise, v. n. to sail about on the sea 
without any certain course, in or- 
der to take other vessels. 

Cull, v. a. to pick out from among 
others. 

A farmer told his sons to cull out the best 
ears of corn, and save them for planting, next 
year. 
Cul pa ble, a.' deserving of blame. 

John's father was sick. He was sent to 
call the physician, and was very culpable for 
stopping to play on the way. 

Cul ti vate, v. a. to make better and 
more productive by labor, skill, and 
care. 

Eliza was fond of cultivating flowers. She 
rose early. She watered them. She loos- 
ened the earth round the stalks. She picked 
off the dead leaves, and loved to see them 
grow and look beautiful. 

When a boy he was thought to have only a 
moderate capacity to learn, but by the dili- 
gent cultivation of his mind, he has become a 
useful and even distinguished man. 



CUR 

Cul ture, n. the act of cultivating. 

He has neglected the culture of his farm 
so long, that the crops are very poor. 

Cun ning, a. skillful in accomplishing 
something by artifice and conceal- 
ment. 

The fox was very cunning. He lay a long 
time motionless, and as if he was dead, and 
when he thought he was not noticed, he sprang 
up suddenly and ran off. 

Cunning people are very apt to lose the 
confidence of others. 

Cu ri ous, a. desiring strongly to see 
new things, and to find out what is 
hidden or unknown. 

James was very curious to know what his 
father was writing in the letter, but he would 
not tell him. 

His curiosity was so great, that he spent 
many years in travelling over one country and 
another. 

made with great skill, nicety, and ex- 
actness. 

- The watch which she wore on a ring, was 
a very curious one. 

not common and causing surprise or 
admiration. 

James and his sister seemed as if they nev- 
er would be tired of looking at the curious 
things in the museum. 

His collection of curiosities from different 
parts of the world, occupies a large room in 
his house. 

Cur rent, a. passing from one to anoth- 
er, circulating freely. 

You need not be afraid to take that bavik. 
bill. It is good and current all over the State. 

now passing, and not yet finished. 

The current year will not come to a close 
till the thirty -first of December. 

Cur rent, n. the running or flowing on 
of a stream, 

The current of the river was so rapid, thai 
the steam-boat ascended it very slowly. 



DEA 69 

Curse, v. a. to wish for, or call down, 
evil upon a person or thing in a sol- 
emn manner. 
" Love your enemies ; bless them that curse 
you." 

to give up a person or thing to evil. 

After Adam had eaten the forbidden fruit, 
God said to him ; " Cursed is the ground for 
thy sake. Thorns and thistles shall it bring 
forth to thee." 

Cus to dy, n. the keeping and guard- 
ing of a person with care, that he 
may not escape. 

The young men made such a disturbance 
in the streets at night, that they were put into 
custody by the watchmen, and carried before 
the magistrate in the morning. 

Cus torn, n. the doing of a thing often, 
and the continuing to do it. 

It was formerly the custom among the in- 
habitants of the Sandwich Islands, when their 
parents became old and sick, to carry them 
away, and leave them to perish. 

It was customary among the Jews for all the 
adult males to go up to Jerusalem, three times 
a year, to attend the feasts. 

D. 

Darmt, v. a. to put in great fear. 
A bear crossed his path in the wobds ; but 
it did not daunt him, for he had a loaded gun 
in his hand. 

to discourage or check by fear. 

When Cicero, the great Roman orator, rose 
to make a speech in defense of Milo, he was 
so daunted by the appearance of the soldiers 
who stood near him, that he trembled, his 
tongue faltered, and he could hardly utter a 
word. 

Dearth, n. a very great want or scar- 
city of any thing. 

Tnere is often such a dearth of food, in 
some parts of India, that thousands of the in- 
habitants starve. 



DEC 



De base, v. a. to put into a lower con- 
dition on account of misconduct, 
to make mean and vile. 

He has debased himself so much by intem- 
perance and other vices, that his former com- 
panions will not associate with him. 

De bate,* v. a. for each of two or more 
persons who differ in opinion, to 
argue in defense of his own. 

They often debate a subject in Congress 
for several days before they decide upon it. 

De ceit, n. leading a person to think 
a thing is true when it is false, or 
false when it is true. 

Avoid deceit; for truth is always better 
than falsehood. 

Rebekah and Jacob did wrong in deceiving 
Isaac, in order that Jacob might obtain his 
blessing. 

" The Lord will abhor the bloody and deceit- 
ful man." 

De cent, a. becoming and modest in 
conversation, conduct, address, or 
manners. 

" Let all things be done decently and in or- 
der." 

De cep tion, n. making something to 
appear different from what it is. 

A boy asked his little brother William to 
come to him and get something out of his hand. 
William came, expecting to have a present, 
but found his brother's hand had nothing in it. 
It was wrong to practice such deception. 

Travellers in the deserts of Arabia some- 
times see sand at a distance which glistens in 
the sun-shine, and which they mistake for 
water. It is a deceptive appearance. 

De cide, v. a. to make up one's mind 
fully, usually after some hesitation 
or doubt. 

When Cesar came with his army to the 
bank of the Rubicon, which he had been for- 
bidden to pass by the Roman Senate, he de- 
liberated a long time what to do. He, at 



DEC 7 

length, decided the matter, and crossed the 
river, fearless of consequences. This is a 
striking example of decision of character. 

De ci sive, a. that which settles or 
ends what was before doubtful. 

Cesar and Pompeyhad for some time been 
contending which of them should be master 
of Rome. They met with thei* armies at 
Pharsalia. A decisive battle took place, in 
which Cesar was victorious, and Pompey was 
soon after slain while attempting to escape 
into Egypt. 

De clare, v. a. to make a thing known 
by telling it plainly. 

In 1776 a number of men from the different 
colonies met together in Philadelphia, and 
drew up a writing in which they declared to 
the world, that the colonies ought no longer 
to be subject to Great Britain, but had a right 
to govern themselves, and would do so. This 
writing was agreed to on the fourth of July, 
and is called the Declaration of Independence. 

* to affirm positively. 

John declared that the charge which was 
brought against him of abusing a boy, was en- 
tirely false. 

De cline, v. n. to bend, lean, or move 
downwards. 

Jane has neglected to water the lilies, and 
their heads begin to decline. 

It is past four o'clock, and the sun is declin- 
ing in the western sky. 

to pass from a better to a worse state. 

It was formerly a very flourishing place, but 
of late there is much less business done there. 
It is on the decline. 

not to accept. 

He was invited to go on a sailing party, but 
declined, having business at home. 

Dec o rate, v. a. to put on, in order to 
make more becoming and beautiful. 

The ancient heathen used often to decorate 
with garlands of flowers the animals which 
were offered up in sacrifice. 

De coy', v. a. to allure by artifice so 
as to bring into one's power. | 



) DEE 

The wild pigeons were decoyed into the net- 
by the grains of corn which had been scat- 
tered all along on the ground. 

De crease, v. n. to become less. 

It was a warm sunny day, and the snow 
decreased rapidly. 

v. a. to make less. 

He owed a thousand dollars, but by being 
very industrious and economical he made fre- 
quent payments, and kept decreasing the debt 
till it was all paid. 

De cree, v. a. to decide upon some- 
thing, and to order it to be done. 

After much deliberation the court decreed 
that the vessel should be given up to the own- 
ers. 

Just before our Saviour was born, a decree 
went out from Cesar Augustus, that all the 
world should be taxed. 
De cry, v. a. to cry down a thing, to 
endeavor to make it appear of less 
value. 

He was an envious, captious man, and 
whenever any one did what was commended 
by others, he was sure to decry it. 

Ded i cate, v. a. to set apart and give 
up some person 6r thing to a sacred 

use. 

When Solomon dedicated the temple at Je- 
rusalem, he offered up in sacrifice twenty-two 
thousand oxen, and one hundred and twenty 
thousand sheep. 

Deed, n. any thing which is done. 

"God will render to every man according 
to his deeds." 

a writing which conveys the owner- 
ship of houses, lands, and such 
kind of property, to another, is 
called a deed. 

Deem, v. a. to think or judge. 

John's father deemed it best that he^hould 
stay at home and work, during the winter, 
and not go to school 



DEF 



De face, v. a. to injure or destroy 
the face or surface of a thing. 

He .has defaced a page of his writing book 
very much by spilling ink over it. 

De fame, v. a. to speak evil of others, 
falsely and wickedly. 

A few persons have tried to defame the 
character of Washington, but have been com- 
pletely baffled in their designs. 

De feat, v. a. to overcome in battle, 
or in some contest. 

At the battle of Jena, in the year 1806, the 
Prussians were defeated by the French with 
immense loss. 

to keep a person or thing from suc- 
ceeding. 

His plan of building a new house, was de- 
feated by the failure of the man to whom he 
had lent his money. 

De feet, n. the absence or want of 
something which is necessary to 
make persons or things what they 
ought to be. 

He bought a book, and soon found that there 
was a considerable defect in the binding, for 
many of the leaves became loose and fell out. 

It is a great defect in his character, that he 
wants perseverance. 

He cannot see things at a distance. His 
eye-sight is defective, and he has to wear spec- 
tacles. 

De fer, v. a. to put off to a future 
time. 

The storm was so violent that they con- 
cluded to defer the meeting till the following 
week. 

Defer not till to-morrow what ought to be 
done to-day. 

De fi ance, n. a contemptuous dar- 
ing, as if fearless of consequen- 
ces. 

In some places, men continue to sell lottery 
tickets in open defiance of the law. ^ 



71 DEF 

Goliath defied the armies of the Israelites 
to send out a man to fight him. 

De fi' cient, (de fish ent,) a. want- 
ing something to make it what it 
ought to be. 

The committee that examined the school 
found it very deficient in suitable books. 

De file, n. a narrow passage. 

The defile between the hills was so narrow, 
that the soldiers had to march through it one 
after another. 

De file, v. a. to make corrupt and fil- 
thy. 

The Bible says of Heaven, that " there shall 
in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, 
neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or 
maketh a lie." 

De fine, v. a. to mark out exactly 
how far a thing goes. 

When a man sells land, he gives a deed of 
it to the purchaser, which defines its bounds. 

What he said was so definite that no one 
could misunderstand him. 

to tell accurately the meaning of a 
word. 

Some words are so simple in their mean- 
ing, that it is useless to attempt to define 
them ; while others are so hard to be under- 
stood, that the definitions of them need to be 
made clear by examples. 

De form, v. a. to change the proper 
form of a person or thing, so as to 
make it out of shape and disagree- 
able to the sight. 
Can it be right to deform the body and in- 
jure the health by tight dressing? 

It is both mean and wicked to laugh at those 
who have any natural deformity of body. 

De fraud, v. a. to keep or take wrong- 
fully, and by artifice, what belongs 
to another. 

He failed in business, concealed much of 
his property, and defrauded those that he owed 
out of more than half that was due to them 



DEL 

f )e fray, v. a. to pay the expense, or 
bear the charge of. 

He found himself one hundred miles from 
home, and his money quite gone. He had to 
borrow some to defray his remaining ex- 
penses. 

I)e grade, v. a. to bring down .with 
disgrace from a higher station to a 
lower. 

He was degraded, on account of cowardice, 
from the rank of captain to that of a common 
soldier. 

De gree, n. when a person or thing 
rises or falls, or moves in any other 
direction, by little and little, each 
of the several spaces thus passed 
over, one after the other, is called 
a degree. 

A boy went up a ladder placed against a 
house. He stepped from one round to an- 
other, ascending a degree at each step. 
When he reached the top, he was at the high- 
est degree from the bottom. Another boy, 
just beginning to ascend, had taken but one 
step. He was at the lowest degree. 

A thermometer is so marked, that the mer- 
cury in it, by rising and falling, tells the de- 
grees of heat and cold. 

The youngest class in the school are in the 

lowest degree of improvement. They should 

strive, as they grow older, to reach the highest. 

The three hundred and sixtieth part of the 

circumference of a circle, is called a degree. 

Deign, (dane,) v. n. to condescend. 

He was so proud that he would not deign 
even to hear what the poor, beggar had to say. 

De ject ed, p. cast down in spirits 
under disappointment or affliction. 

He is so dejected at the misconduct of his 
son, that he avoids all company, and is never 
seen to smile. 

De lib e rate, v. n. to weigh in the 
mind, to consider the reasons for 
and against doing something 



72 DEL 



The inhabitants of the town held several 
meetings, and deliberated a long while, before 
they could agree where the new court-house 
should stand. 

He does not decide hastily, but is veiy de- 
liberate, and when he makes up his mind it is 
not easy to lead him to change his purpose. 

Del i cate, a. fine, soft, and smooth 
to the touch ; as a delicate rose-leaf, 
the delicate hand of an infant. 

not bright and glaring, soft and pleas- 
ant to the sight ; as the delicate 
whiteness of pure snow, the deli- 
cate green of the early grass in 
spring. 

nice, tender, pleasing to the taste ; as 
delicate food. 

soft and gentle, careful not to hurt the 
feelings of others ; as, he is a man 
of very delicate manners. 

feeble in body, easily fatigued, or 
made sick. 

Her health is so delicate, that she cannot 
go abroad except in the mildest weather. 

We say of a person who is very nice and 
accurate in judging whether things are beau- 
tiful or not, that he has delicacy of taste. 

De li' cious, (de Ifsh us,) a. highly 
pleasing and sweet ; as delicious 
fruit, delicious music, delicious po- 
etry. 

De light, n. a high degree of joy or 
pleasure. 

Robert seems to take great delight in doing 
what he can, to make his lame brother happy 
who is confined to the house. 

John was so delighted with his new book r 
that he wanted to be reading it all the while. 

We visited the Orphan Asylum, and it was 
delightful to see what good care was taken of 
the poor children who have no father or 
mother. 



DEN 7 

De liv er, v . a. to give to another. 

He said he would deliver the letter as soon 
as he arrived in the city. 

to give up. 

They could no longer make any resistance, 
and delivered up the city into the hands of 
the enemy. 
to save from. 

When Daniel was cast into the den of 
lions, they did not hurt him, for God delivered 
him from their power. 

to speak, or say something. 

Though more than seventy years of age, he 
delivered an address two hours in length, 
without being the least fatigued. 

De lade, v. a. to lead a person, in an 
artful way, to think wrong on some 
subject. 

Mohammed, by pretending to have received 
the Koran from heaven, deluded his followers 
into a belief of it. 

When a person has very false views of a 
subject so as to fall into a great error or mis- 
take, we say, he is under a delusion. 

Some insane persons think themselves 
kings and queens. It is a strange delusion. 

That which causes delusion, we call delu- 
sive. 

De mol ish, v. a. to break down what 
has been built up. 

The ships approached the town, and firing 
upon it demolished many of the houses. 

Dem on strate,or de m5n strate, v. a. 
to prove a thing to be true so 
clearly that it cannot be doubted. 

It is easy to demonstrate that eight times 
eight are sixty-four. 

De note, v. a. to mark, to be a sign 
of, to mean. 

The piece of timber placed at the end of 
the bridge, denotes that it is not safe to cross 
it. 

De nounce, v. a. to threaten in a sol- 
emn .and public manner. 



i DEP 

Moses denounced severe judgments against 
the Israelites, if they became idolaters. 

Dense, a. when the parts of a thing 
are very close together, so that it 
is thick, we call it dense ; as a 
dense fog, a dense black cloud, 
dense air. 

De pend, v. n. to hang from. 

In some of the southern States, the moss 
depends from the tops of the tallest trees in 
strips one or two feet wide, and twenty 01 
thirty long. 

When one thing is the cause of some- 
thing else being what it is, or of 
its having what it needs, the latter 
is said to depend on the former. 

We- depend on God to keep us in life. 

His getting well will depend on his taking 
the medicine. 

He is so poor and helpless, that he is de- 
pendent on the bounty of his friends for his 
support. 

When we feel sure that a person 
will do a certain thing, we say that 
we can depend upon him ; and 
when we feel sure that a thing will 
happen, we say that we can depend 
upon it. 

He has so often failed to keep his promise, 
that I cannot depend upon him. 

De plore, v. a. to feel and express 
deep grief. 

When he read the account of the burning 
of widows in India, on the funeral pile of 
their husbands, he greatly deplored the condi- 
tion of females in that country. 

It was deplorable indeed to hear the shrieks 
of the poor drunkard who died with delirium 
tremens. 

De port ment, n. the manner in which, 
by his words and actions, a person 
shows his feelings and character. 

The deportment of Louis the sixteenth, 



DEP 

knig of France, when he was beheaded, was 
calm, dignified, and becoming one in his situ- 
ation. 

De pos it, v. a. to lay down in a cer- 
tain place. 

The ostrich deposits her eggs in the sand, 
and leaves them to be hatched by the heat of 
the sun. 

to lay up for safe keeping. 

He was going a long journey, and deposited 
a small trunk with many valuable things in it, 
in the bank. 

De praved, p. become very corrupt 
and bad. 

He is so depraved that he mocks at God 
and the Bible, and seems to have no shame in 
committing the vilest sins. 

The bloody murder which the pirates com- 
mitted showed great depravity of heart. 

De pre ciate, v. a. to bring down the 
price or value of a thing. 

The arrival of a large cargo of tea from 
China, has depreciated its price considerably. 

to speak of a thing as of less value 
than it is commonly thought to 
have. 

He was so envious of the prosperity of his 
neighbor, that whenever be spoke of him, he 
depreciated his character. 

v. n. to become of less value. 

Since the bank has refused to pay specie 
for its bills, they have much depreciated, one 
dollar passing for only eighty cents. 

De press, v. a. to make low, so as hot 
to be active and prosperous. 

The place is sickly, and on that account 
its trade has become very much depressed. 

to cause to be satl and cast down in 
spirits. 

His health is feeble ; the expenses of his 
family increasing ; his prospects far from en- 
couraging ; and he is much depressed in 
mind. 

De prive, v. a. to take or keep away 



74 



DES 



from a person something pleasant 
or useful. 

Charles had behaved so badly, that his mo- 
ther told him she should have to deprive him 
of the privilege of sitting with them in the 
evening to hear an interesting book read. 

De range, v. a. to put things out of 
their proper order. 

The house took fire, and while extinguish- 
ing it, they deranged his beautiful collection 
of shells. 

He has talked and acted so strangely, for 
some weeks past, that his friends begin to 
think he is deranged. 

De ride, v. a. to laugh at, or make 
sport of, in a contemptuous manner. 

While our Saviour was on the cross, the 
rulers of the Jews and many of the people 
derided him, saying, "He saved others; let 
him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen 
of God." 

A good man is often treated with derision 
by the wicked. 

De rive,?;, a. to draw or receive from. 

The water which all the families in the 
neighborhood use, is derived from one foun- 
tain, and carried to them m aqueducts. 

The English word current is derived from 
the Latin word curro, which signifies to run. 

A knowledge of the derivation of words of- 
ten assists us in understanding their meaning. 

De scend ant, n. Adam and Eve had 
several children. These again 
had children, who also had chil- 
dren, and so on down to this time. 
All the people, therefore, who now 
are living, or who have ever lived 
in the world, except Adam and 
Eve, are their descendants. 

De scribe, v. a. to tell what persons 
and things are, how they look, and 
what they do, so that others may 
form a conception of them. 



DES 



Many persons have attempted to describe 
the falls of Niagara ; bat no one can think 
how they look without seeing them. 

Milton, in his Paradise Lost, has given a 
beautiful description of the garden of Eden, 
as he supposed it might have appeared before 
the fall. 

De scry, v. a. to spy out. 

Men were sent by the Israelites to descry 
the city of Bethel. 

to see and find out something distant 
or obscure. 

They descried a ship many miles off, which 
they feared might be a pirate. 

De sert, n. that of good or bad in a 
person, on account of which he 
ought to be praised or blamed, re- 
warded or punished. 

Parents and teachers ought to be careful to 
treat children according to their deserts, and 
not to be partial. 

De sert, v. a. to leave for a certain 
length of time, in order to avoid 
some danger, inconvenience, or 
loss. 

At the approach of the enemy, the inhabit- 
ants deserted their houses, and did not return 
until the soldiers had left the city, 

to leave a person or thing, meanly or 
wickedly. 

While he was prosperous, there were many 
who pretended to be his friends, but when he 
became poor and sick, they deserted him and 
never came to see him. 

Never desert a good cause, however few 
there may be to support, it. 

De sign, v. a. to draw the outlines of 
a figure, picture, or plan. 

Eliza designed on her slate a pretty little 
cottage, with trees and fences around it. 

to mark out in the mind something to 
be done, meaning or intending to 
doit. 

When Napoleon went to conquer Russia, 



75 DES 

he designed to have his anny spend tne win- 
ter in Moscow, but the Russians defeated his 
plan by burning the city. 

A watch shows design, and we say it must 
have had a maker. Our bodies, also, show 
wonderful design, and we conclude they must 
have had a Creator. That Creator is God. 
De sire, n. an ardent and fixed feel- 
ing to have something which we 
do not possess, because we think 
it will afford us pleasure. 

After Paul's conversion, he says ; " My 
heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, 
that they might be saved." 

Richard was very fond of studying Geogra- 
phy, and desired greatly to have a globe. But 
his parents were poor and could not buy him 
one. He used to work out of school hours, 
and earn some money every week, till he was 
able to buy it. Other children should be as 
desirous of obtaining knowledge as Richard 
was. 

Des o late, a. A place is said to be 
desolate, when it is without inhab- 
itants ; either because it never had 
any, or because they have deserted 
it, or have been driven from it. 

It was foretold by Isaiah, that Babylon 
should be destroyed, and that wild beasts 
should cry in its desolate houses. A late 
traveller says, that his guides told him that 
the ruins of this city abound in lions and other 
wild beasts. 

De spair, v. n. to give up all hope of 
obtaining some good, or of avoid- 
ing some evil. 

Her husband went to sea, and has not been 
heard of for twenty years. She despairs of 
ever seeing him again. 

Des pe rate, a. doing something in a 
rash and violent manner, without 
regard to consequences, because 
one is in utter despair. 

The pirates were desperate, and fought fu 
riously till they were all killed, because they 



DES 



76 



DET 



knew that if they weie taken, they would be 
hune". 

When a man is in such trouble or afflic- 
tion, that we can see no way of his getting 
out of it, we say he is in a desperate condi- 
tion. 

De spise, v. a. to look down with 
very great contempt upon a person 
or thing. 

The Bible says ; " The eye that mocketh 
at his father, and despiseth to obey his mo- 
ther, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, 
and the young eagles shall eat it." 

That which ought to be despised, we call 
despicable ; as, to open a sealed letter, when 
a person has no right to do it, is despicable. 

x>e spond/v. n. to become so much 
discouraged as to make little or no 
effort to obtain some good, or avoid 
some evil. 

He has had so many misfortunes of late, 
and met with so many disappointments, that 
he is very desponding, and his friends fear that 
if his despondency continues much longer, it 
may settle down into despair. 

Des pot ic, a. absolute in power. — 
arbitrary, tyrannical. 
The captain was so despotic in his govern- 
ment of the ship, that he could never get a 
sailor to go a second time with him to sea. 

Des tine, v. a. to fix upon the use or 
purpose for which a person or 
thing is to be employed, or the 
state or condition in which they 
are to be placed. 

He is building a large ship, which is des- 
tined for the East India trade. 

His oldest son is a farmer. He has des- 
tined his youngest one to go to college. 

He set out on a journey from New-York, 
and arrived safely at Quebec, the place of his 
destination. 

The final destiny of this world, is, to be 
consumed by fire. 

Des ti tute, a. not having a thing. 



During the coldest weather, the poor fam- 
ily were destitute of fuel. 

You cannot safely trust him, for he is des- 
titute of honesty. 

We say of one who is friendless and needy, 
that he is destitute. 

De tach, v. a. to take away a part 
from the whole, or one thing from 
another. 

A father found that his son was often in the 
company of some very wicked boys, and to 
detach him from them removed him to another 
school. 

to send off- part of an army for some 
particular purpose. 

The general ordered a detachment of one 
thousand men to march by night, and attack 
the fort. 

De tain, v. a. to keep from one what 
belongs to him. 

When you have borrowed a book and read 
it, you should not detain it, but return it im- 
mediately to the owner. 

to keep back from going. 

The ship was detained three days in port 
by a head wind before she could sail. The 
detention gave the passengers a good opportu- 
nity of examining the curiosities of the place. 

De tect, V- a. to find out and bring to 
light, usually something wrong 
which is concealed. 

Arnold, an American officer, had agreed to 
give up West Point to the British, but his 
treachery was detected, and his design de- 
feated, by the arrest of Major Andre who had 
been sent to him by the British as a spy. 

De ter, v. a. to keep back, or dis- 
courage, by fear. 

The travellers had been to Alexandria, and 
were intending to visit Cairo, but were de- 
terred from doing it by hearing that the plague 
had broken out there. 

De ter mine, v. a. to fix upon, or 

settle. 

Frank wished very much to study French, 



DEV 



77 



DIG 



but his father, after thinking about it, de- 
termined that, at present, he should not take 
any new study. 

The determination of Washington, at the end 
of the war, to retire from all .public business 
and live on his farm, shows that he was not 
an ambitious man. 

Robert's father taught him to determine the 
height of the steeple, by setting up a pole tea 
feet long near it, measuring the shadows or 
each, and then calculating that if the shadow 
of the pole is made by a pole of ten feet in 
length, the shadow of the steeple must be 
made by a steeple so many feet in height. 
De test, v. a. to have the strongest 
dislike to what is mean and wrong. 

A certain rich man was so hard in his deal- 
ings with the poor, that he was detested by 
all his neighbors. 

He is an old man, and his conduct in try- 
ing to corrupt young persons, is most detes- 
table. 

De vi ate, v. n. to go aside from a 
straight line, or from the right way. 

The travellers deviated from the usual road 
in order to visit a remarkable cave. 

We ought to be on our guard against the 
smallest deviations from truth. 

De vice, n. an ingenious contrivance 
or design, usually to accomplish 
some evil. 

He feigned himself an old blind man, and 
by this device got a good deal of money. 

emblem. 

The device on his seal was an anchor, rep- 
resenting Hope. 

De vise, v. a. to contrive or invent. 

" Do they not err that devise evil ? but 
mercy and truth shall be to them that devise 
good." 

De vote, v. a. to give up a person or 
thing wholly to some particular 
purpose or service. 

Hannah, the pious mother of Samuel, car- 
ried him up to the tabernacle at Shiloh, when 
he was about three years old, and devoted 



• him to the service of the Lord ; and he re 
mained there under the charge of Eli, the 
high-priest. 

Although very much engaged in business, 
he devoted some time every day to the im- 
provement of his mind. Such devotion to 
study is very commendable. 

We call praying to God, and singing his 
praises, acts of devotion. 

De vout', a. loving to pray to God 
and praise him, and doing it fre- 
quently and reverently. 

Devout men carried the first martyr Ste- 
phen to his burial. 

Dex ter i ty, n. the ability to do 
things in an easy, skillful, and 
expeditious manner. 

In driving safely over a rough, steep, and 
dangerous road, the coachman showed great 
dexterity. 

Die tate, v. a. for one to point out, 
and command with authority, what 
to do, or to tell another what to 
write. 

A father found that his sons were not fol- 
lowing the directions he had given them, and 
it became necessary for him to dictate to them 
precisely what they must do. 

His arm being lame, he dictated to his 
clerk, who wrote it, the letter which he 
wished to send to his friend. 

Dif fi dent, a. we say of- a person 
who is very bashful, and has but 
little confidence in his ability to 
do a thing, that he is diffident. 

Dig ni ty, n. the thinking, feeling, 
and acting above what is improper, 
unjust, or mean, so as to be re- 
garded with great respect by 
others. 

He who would have true dignity of mind, 
must learn to fear God and obey his com 
mandments. 



DIR 



78 



DIS 



When Daniel stood before Belshazzar, to 
explain the hand writing upon the wall, he 
declined receiving the gifts of the king, and 
acted with great dignity as a prophet of the 
Lord. 

He was very dignified in his manners, and 
yet so gentle and affectionate that even chil- 
dren loved to be in his company. 

a high office or rank. 

It is not uncommon in the East for persons 
born in a very low condition to rise to places 
of the highest dignity and power. Joseph 
was a striking instance of this, and so is Mo- 
hammed Ali, the pasha of Egypt. 

Dil i gent, a. engaged in some kind 
of work, cheerfully, actively, and 
perseveringly. 

" The hand of the diligent maketh rich." 
It is curious to see with what diligence the 
little ants lay up their food. 

Di mm ish, v. a. and n. to make, or 
become less, usually in size, quan- 
tity, or number. 

As he looked down from the steeple, the 
people in the streets appeared to be very 
much diminished in- size. 

We call a thing diminutive, when it is very 
much smaller than other things of the same 
kind. 

Dint, n. a blow, or the mark made 
by it. — force, power ; as to ac- 
complish a thing by dint of perse- 
verance, by dint of entreaty, by 
dint of arms. 

Di rect, a. not crooked, in a straight 
line. 

The road is so direct that you cannot but 
go right. 

plain, about which there can be no 
mistake. 

Charles wished to stop and play after 
school, but the master gave him a direct or- 
der to go home. 



Di rect, v. a. to point out to another 
what course to take. 

When a person inquires of us the way to a 
certain place, we ought to be civil, and take 
pains to direct him. 

" In all thy ways acknowledge God, and he 
shall direct thy paths." 

ty3 point in a straight line towards 
some object. 

He directed the ship towards the light- 
house. 

to point out with authority what one 
should do. 

He directed the servant to call him at five 
o'clock in the morning. 

The direction of a letter is what is written 
on the outside, to show to what person and 
place it is to go. 

Dis a ble, v. a. to take away the abil- 
ity to do a particular thing. 

The loss of his sight disabled him from car- 
rying on the business of an engraver. 

The ship was so disabled by the storm, that 
she was compelled to come back to New- 
York, and get new masts and rigging. 

Dis ap point', v. a. for something to 
happen, or to be done, contrary to 
what one expects, wishes, or in- 
tends. 

John and his sister Mary had been antici- 
pating a great deal of pleasure in visiting their 
uncle, but when the day came on which they 
were to go, they were sadly disappointed by 
hearing that he was too unwell to see them. 

We must expect to meet many diszf/point- 
ments } and should learn to bear them with 
patience. 

Dis as ter, n. a sudden event which 
causes disappointment or misfor- 
tune. 

The sweeping off of the only mill in the 
village by the flood, was a great disaster. 

Dis cern, v. a. to see or find out 
something distant or obscure. 



DIS 

We could but just discern the house 
through the fog. 

He is a man of great discernment. He 
seems to understand the characters of per- 
sons after a very short acquaintance. 

Dis charge, v. a. to take or send out 
a load ; as, the ship discharged her 
cargo, they discharged the cannon. 

to do all that is required of one, so 
that no further claim can be made. 

He has discharged his debts, and now owes 
nobody. 

Sir Matthew Hale discharged the duties of 
a judge with great wisdom and fidelity. 

to dismiss one from some service or 
employment. 

The hired man behaved so badly, that he 
paid him his wages and discharged him. 

Dis ci pie, n. one who receives in- 
struction from another on impor- 
tant subjects. 

He who would be a disciple of Christ, must 
feel the need of being taught by him. 

Dis ci pline, n. a settled course of 
instruction and government com- 
bined. 

He taught the scholars well, and he made* 
them punctual, attentive, diligent, kind, and 
obedient. His discipline was excellent. 

Dis claim, v. a. to deny that one 
makes any claim to a thing, or 
that he has any knowledge of it, 
or that he has any thing to do 
with it. 

He was charged with having written a cer- 
tain book, but disclaimed entirely being the 
author of it. 

Disclose, v. a. to make known what 
was before unknown or concealed. 

The opening rose-bvffl discloses its beau- 
ties. 

He was true to his promise, and nothing 
eould induce him to disclose the secret. 



79 



DIS 



Dis cord, n. disagreement in feelings 
or opinions, usually leading to dis- 
putes and strife. 

Avoid a tale bearer, for he is sure to cause 
discord wherever he goes. 

We call a painful disagreement of sounds 
in music a discord. 

Dis cov' er, (dis kuv er,) v. a. to see, 
to find out, or to bring to view what 
was before unknown. 

Columbus discovered America in the yeai 
1492. 

Dis creet, a. looking carefully at con- 
sequences before one says or does 
something ; avoiding what may be 
injurious ; and choosing out the 
best means for attaining an ob- 
ject. 

" The discretion of a man deferreth his an- 
ger." 

Dis cuss, v. a. for two or more per- 
sons to examine a subject particu- 
larly and thoroughly, and to argue 
about it in order to find out what is 
right, or best to be done. 

The owners of a ship discussed the matter 
some time, before they concluded on what 
voyage to send her. 

Dis dam, v. a. to regard and treat a 
thing with utter contempt, ctoid to 
feel that to have any thing to do " 
with it, would make one exceed- 
ingly mean and vile. 

A wicked boy offered to give Robert a 
knife if he would help him to steal some 
apples, but he disdained the offer. 

Dis fig ure, v. a. to injure, the figure 
or shape of. a thing, so as to make 
it less agreeable to the sight. 

He had a large scar on his cheek which dis- 
figured his looks very much. 



DIS 

Dis grace, n. the not being regarded 
with favor. 

A child who had done wrong, was not per- 
mitted to come to the table at meals for one 
day. He was in disgrace. 

saying or doing something of which 
a person ought to be very much 
ashamed. 

It Avas a great disgrace to the young man to 
be so rude and impolite to his sister. 

It was very disgraceful conduct in the boj r s 
to disturb the people who were worshipping 
in the church. 

Dis guise, v. a. to conceal by putting 
on an unusual or false appearance, 
or by words, intended to mislead 
or deceive. 

Alfred, king of England, disguised himself 
as a harper, and went into the camp of his 
enemies, the Danes, to find out their strength 
and their plans. 

Dis gust, v. a. to cause great dislike. 

She was so affected and conceited in her 
maimers and conversation that she disgusted 
the whole company. 

Dis mal, a. dark, cheerless, comfort- 
less ; causing discouragement and 



80 



DIS 



I saw the prisoner in his dungeon. It was 
without light, cold and damp, and he had no- 
thing to lie on but some straw on the stone 
floor. It was a dismal place. 
Pis may, v. a. to put into great fear, 
to deprive of courage and the pow- 
er of effort. 

When Saul and the Israelites heard the 
challenge of Goliath, they were dismayed and 
greatly afraid. 

Dis patch, v. a. to send on special 
business, and usually in haste. 

He was taken suddenly and dangerously 
sick, and his friends dispatched a messenger, 
on horseback, ten miles, after a physician. 

to do a thing quickly, to finish. 



They had a great deal of business to do, 
and in order to dispatch it they sat up nearly 
the whole night. 

to put to death. 

Herod sent some one who dispatched John 
the Baptist in prison. 

Dis pel, v. a. to bring to an end by 
scattering and driving away. 

The rising sun dispelled the fog. 

He was very apprehensive that his son was 
lost at sea, but he received a letter from him 
yesterday which dispelled all his fears. 

Dis pense, v. a. to deal out, to give 
portions of what is good to others. 

When Christ was on earth, he dispensed 
many blessings to the poor, the sick, and the 
wretched. 

When we say, we can dispense with a 
thing, we mean that we can do without it ; 
as, there is no fear of rain, you may dispense 
with your umbrella. 

Dis perse, v. a. to break up into parts, 
and to scatter what was before 
united. 

In autumn, the dry leaves on the trees were 
dispersed by the gale, and left the branches 
bare. 

Dis play, v. a. to spread out, so as to 
strike the eye and be fully seen. 

The peacock displays its train of beautiful 
feathers, and seems to be vain of them. It 
knows no better. 

The Spartan band of three hundred men, 
which defended the straits of Thermopyjas 
against the vast army of Xerxes, displayed 
heroic courage. They were all slain but 
one. This happened 480 years before Christ. 

Dis pose, v. a. to place, or put in or- 
der. 

The master disposed the scholars in two 
parts, placing the boys on one side of the 
room, and the girls on the other. 

to lead one to do something. 

One said to his friend who was a poor 
man ; " What could have disposed you to ttuy 
that expensive painting ?" 



DIS 



81 



DIS 



to sell. 

He has failed, and his goods will be dispo- 
sed of at auction to-day. 

When a person's feelings commonly and 
strongly lead him to a particular thing, we 
say he is disposed, or has a disposition to 
do it. 

When a person is almost always kind, gen- 
tle, generous, and amiable, we say he has a 
good disposition; but when he is frequently 
unkind, peevish, selfish, and disobliging, we 
say he has a bad disposition. 

Dis pute, v. n. to contend in argu- 
ment. 

v. a. to deny, and to attempt to show 
that what a person says is hot so. 

It is very common for one newspaper to 
dispute the statements made in another. 

to contend for. 

Though the army was driven from the field, 
the soldiers retreated slowly, and disputed 
every inch of ground. 

Dis sem ble, v. a. to put on a false 
appearance, to pretend that to be 
which is not, or that not to be which 
is. 

He thought so differently from what the 
others did, and was so afraid to let it be 
known, that he dissembled his opinion, and 
appeared to think as they did. 
Dis sent, v. n. to disagree or differ 
from in opinion. 

Four of the judges agreed in a decision ; 
the other judge dissented from them, and gave 
his reasons for doing so. 

Dis sdlve, v. a. to melt something 
solid so as to make it fluid. 

The warm sun dissolves the snow very 
fast. 

to separate a thing into its parts, and 
bring it to an end. 

At the close of the address, the* meeting 
was dissolved and every one went home. 

Dis suade, v. a. to lead, or to attempt 
6 



to lead a person, by advice or ar- 
gument, not to do a thing. 

All the spies, except Caleb and Joshua, 
who were sent by Moses to explore the land 
of Canaan, were unbelieving and fearful, and 
tried to dissuade the Israelites from going up 
to take possession of it. 
Dis tinct, a. different, apart from. 

The boys and girls were in distinct roomsMj 

clear, not confused. 

Our view of the village on the distant hill, 
was very distinct. 

Dis tin guish, v. a. to mark a thing in 
some way so that it may be clearly 
known from other things. 

He distinguished his umbrella by tying a 
red string round the handle. 

to know a thing from others, by no- 
ticing a mark or something else 
which is peculiar to it. 

The child knew the countenance of his mo- . 
ther so well, that he quickly distinguished her 
among a large crowd. 

Some words are so much alike in meaning, 
that it is difficult to perceive any distinction 
between them. 

to make one's self known, or to bring 
into notice, by having or doing 
something remarkable. 

Saul was distinguished for his great height. 
He was a head taller than any of his country- 
men. 

Solomon was distinguished for his wis- 
dom. * 

Dis tract, v. a. to draw strongly dif- 
ferent ways at the same time. 

When the boy went into the museum, his 
attention was so distracted by the great num- 
ber of curious things, that he became quite 
perplexed, and for some time did not notice 
any one of them carefully. 

We say of a person!** whose mind is very 
much confused, and who does not reason and « 

act as other people do, and is sometimes vio- 
lent and furious, that he is distracted. 



DIV 



Dis tress, n. very great pain of body 
or of mind. 

He went to visit a family of young orphan 
cluldren, and found them in great distress at 
the loss of their parents. 

[ suffering for the want of something. 

After being wrecked, the crew took to the 
long boat, and having scarcely any thing to 
flk eat for several days were in great distress. 

W)is trib ute, v . a. to divide a thing, 
and deal it out among two or more. 

When our Saviour fed about five thousand 
men with five barley loaves and two small 
fishes, he distributed them to his disciples, 
and they distributed them to the multitude. 

Di vert, v. a. to turn off from a course 
or purpose. 

The bank of the river was worn away by 
the flood, so that the stream was diverted 
from its course, and ran across the meadows 
into a new channel. 

to turn the mind off from some object 
by bringing before it what is pleas- 
ant and amusing. 

A little child was crying after its mother 
who had left it, when its sister gave it a doll 
to play with, which so much diverted it, that 
it soon ceased weeping. 

We ought not to engage in diversions which 
will give pain to other persons, or to animals. 

Di ver si ty, n. the difference between 
several things when compared with 
each other. 

The wisdom of God is strikingly shown in 
making such a diversity among human faces, 
that one person is scarcely ever mistaken for 
another. 

Di vest, v. a. to strip off, to deprive of 
that which covers or is connected 
with. 

Jonathan divested himself of his splendid 
robe, and gave it to ©avid as a mark of friend- 
t ship. 

Di vine, a. not human nor angelic, 



82 DOM 

belonging to God ; as divine wis- 
dom, divine power, divine good- 
ness. 

coming directly from God ; as the 
divine law, a divine revelation. 

Di vine, v. a. to know beforehand ; to 
foretell. 

Di vin i ty, n. God is sometimes 
called the Divinity. 

the science which teaches us con- 
cerning God and his government, 
is called divinity. 

Do cile; a. willing and easy to be 
taught. 
The dog and ox are docile animals. 
Maria has a great deal of docility, and her 
teacher loves to instruct her. 

Doc trine, n. that which is taught to 
direct opinion and belief on impor- 
tant subjects. 

The things which Christ taught concerning 
God, the soul, and a future world, are called 
his doctrines. 

Dole ful, a. expressing sorrow ; as 
the doleful look, or doleful cry, of 
one who is suffering. 

dismal, causing sorrow. 

The doleful sound of the muffled drum, as 
the soldiers followed one of their companions 
to the grave, filled his friends with a melan- 
choly grief. 

Do mes tic, a. belonging to the house 
or family, not public. 

He was very fond of domestic enjoyment, 
and loved to be at home with his wife and 
children. 

We call those domestic persons who are 
■ much at home, and those domestic animals 
which are tame, and live in or about the 
house. 

belonging to the state or country in 



DM 

which we live, not foreign ; as do- 
mestic news, domestic manufac- 
tures, domestic trade. 
Do min' ion, (do mm yun,) n. su- 
preme power. 

When Gad created Adam and Eve, he gave 
them dominion over the things which he had 
made on the earth. 

the country under a particular gov- 
ernment, as the British or Russian 
dominions. 

Doom, v. a. to fix upon the punish- 
ment, or the evil which' one is to 
suffer. 

The judges of Charles I. king of England, 
one hundred and thirty-three in number, 
doomed him to death, and he was beheaded on 
the 30th of January, 1649, in the forty-ninth 
year of his age. 
Dote, v. n. to become silly by having 
the mind weakened by old age, or 
in some other way. 
to be fond of, or love one in a foolish 
and excessive manner. 

She doated upon the little dog, and treated 
it almost as if it was her child. 
Dread, v. a. to fear very greatly. 

There was a violent shock of an earth- 
quake, and the people dreaded another so 
much, that they fled from their houses. 

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, in which 
he had dreamed of a ladder reaching from 
earth to heaven, and the angels of God as- 
cending and descending upon it, he was afraid, 
and said ; "How dreadful is this place. This 
is none other but the house of God, and this 
is the gate of heaven." 

Drear y, a. lonely and gloomy. 

The traveller was lost in a thick and dark 
forest, and wandered for a long time without 
seeing a human being, or finding a path. His 
condition was a dreary one. 

Drift, n. a heap of any thing driven 



83 DUT 

forcibly together ; as a drift of 
snow or of sand, 
the principal design of what is said 
or done. 

He said some things on other subjects, but 
the drift of his address to the school was, to 
teach the children how to improve their mem- 
ory. 

Due, a. that which a person may 
justly claim to be paid to -him, or 
given to him, or done for him. 

Love, obedience, and respect are due from 
children to their parents. 
" Render to all their dues."' 

becoming, being suitable to. 

He wished to have his daughter learn to play 
on the piano, but he thought he could not buy 
one with a due regard to his circumstances. 

" A word spoken in due season, how good 
is it." 

Dupe, n. a person who is easily 
cheated by being flattered into the 
belief of what is told him, or who 
is apt to believe without examina- 
tion. 

Canute the great, a king of England, was 
told by some who wished to flatter him, that 
he was more than a man. To show them that 
he was not the dupe of their flattery, he went 
with them to the sea-shore and commanded 
the approaching waves to go back, and not 
w r et his feet. The waves did not obey him, 
and his flatterers saw that it was useless to 
try to dupe him. 

Du ra ble, a. that which lasts a long 
time without wearing out. 

No work of man is more durable than the 
Egyptian pyramids. 

Friendship between the wicked, is not apt 
to be durable. 

Du ty, n. that which a person ought 
to do, because it is right that he 
should do it. 
The law of God, as contained in the Bibla, 



EDU 



84 



EFF 



is the rule of our duty to him, to our fellow- 
men, and to ourselves. 

We call him dutiful who loves and obeys 
his parents and those who have authority over 
him ; as a dutiful son, a dutiful scholar, a du- 
tiful subject. 

the money which the government of 

a country requires to be paid by 

►, those who bring certain goods into 

it from a foreign country ; as the 

duty on silk, the duty on books. 

E. 

TTla' ger, (e gur,) a. having a strong 
-^and impatient desire to do or get 
something without delay. 

"Frank was so eager to get the chesnuts 
which were roasting in the fire, that he burn- 
ed his fingers. 

Richard III. was so eager to be king of 
England, that he caused his two nephews to 
be murdered. This happened in the year 
* 1483. 

Ear nest, a. ardent, fixed, and perse- 
vering in the purpose to do or to 
get something. 

Mary was so earnest to get leave from her 
mother to go to the exhibition of another 
school, that she rose very early, for a week 
beforehand, to do her work and study her les- 
sons. 

The prophet Elijah prayed earnestly that it 
might not rain ; and it did not rain for three 
years and six months. 
E co nom i cal, a. careful in doing 
things well at the least expense. 

He who is economical, will be the more 
able to be generous. 

E di' tion, (e dish un,) n. we call all 
the copies of a book which are 
published at the same time an edi- 

u tion. 

Ed u cate, v. a. to teach, to govern, 



and to bring up a child or youth in 
such a way as to fit him for what 
he is to do in after life. 

Happy is that child whose parents are edu- 
cating him to serve God, and do good in the 
world. 

Ef face, v. a. to rub or scratch out, or 
remove in some other way, letters, 
marks, or figures from the surface 
of a thing so that they can no 
longer be distinctly seen. 

Some wicked boy has effaced the figures on 
that mile-stone, and they cannot be read. 

Ef feet, n. that which is caused, or 
made to be, by some other thing 
which it follows, and without 
which, so far as we can see, it 
would not be. 

A spark fell into a barrel of gunpowder, 
and the effect was to blow it up, and to kill 
the man who stood near it. 

His poverty is the effect of his idleness. 
We say a thing is of no effect, when its 
power to cause any thing is destroyed. 

Ef feet, v. a. to cause a thing to be, 
to bring to pass. 

The prisoner effected his escape by filing 
off two of the iron bars in his window. 

After many years of hard and persevering 
effort, Wilberforce and his friends effected 
the abolition of the slave trade in the British 
empire. 

The medicine which he took was effectual, 
and he soon got well. 

Ef fi ca cy, n. having power to effect, 

The cold was so severe, that the heat of 
the sun had no efficacy in melting the snow. 

Ef fort, n. a trying hard to do or ac- 
complish something. 

When Samson was in a great building, 
and the Philistines were making sport of him, 
he took hold of two pillars on which the 
building rested, and with a mighty effort threw 



ELU S5 

them down, destroying himself and thousands 
of his enemies. 

E late, v . a. to puff up as with pride ; 
— to lift up with success, as by the 
hearing of good news, or by a vic- 
tory. 
iE lec't, v. a. to fix upon, and take out 
one or more from among * others, 
for a particular purpose. 
The people in the United States elect the 
persons who make the laws, and govern the 
nation. 

El e gant, a. not grand, splendid, nor 

strikingly beautiful, but heat, nice, 

polished, and delicately beautiful. 

The tall, white lily, on its slender stalk> is 

an elegant flower. 

It was an elegant book. The paper was 
white and smooth. The letters were clear ; 
the margin wide ; the engravings soft and 
highly finished ; and the binding of rich and 
delicate morocco with gilt edges to the leaves. 
She had elegant manners — soft, gentle, po- 
^lite, and graceful. 

El # e vate, v. a. to raise up, to make 
higher. 

The garret was too low, and to make it 
higher, they elevated the roof. 

Wolsey, from being the son of a poor man, 
was elevated to the station of lord chancellor 
of England. He died in the year 1530. 

Astronomy is a study well fitted to give ele- 
^vation to the mind. 

El o quent, a. speaking in an easy, 
feeling, forcible and pleasing man- 
ner, so as to convince and persuade 
the hearers. 

Chatham and Burke are among the most 
eloquent of English orators. 

E hide*, v. a. to get out of the way of 
danger or evil by artifice. 

Charles II. after his defeat at Worcester by 
Cromwell, in the year 1651, eluded his ene- 



EMB 



mies who were in pursuit of him by conceal- 
ing himself among the branches of an oak. 

E man ci pate, v. a. to set free from 
slavery. 
Terence, a distinguished Roman write/, 
was an African slave and emancipated by his 
master. He died 159 years before Christ. 
Em bar rass, v. a. to throw into con- 
fusion, so as very much to hinder. 
He was a fine scholar, but had been so little 
in company, that when invited to dine at a 
gentleman's house, on entering the room he 
was much embarrassed, and for some time 
could not utter a word. 

His affairs were greatly embarrassed by the 
failure of his friend, so that he found it very 
difficult to carry on his business. 

Em bellish, v. a. to make pleasing by 
ornament. 

The book was embellished by many fine 
^ engravings. 

Em blem, n. something which we 
can see, and which, on account of its 
likeness to something else of which 
we can only think, is used to rep- 
resent it ; as, the ant is an emblem 
of industry ; the lamb, of meek- 
ness ; the balance, of justice. 

Em brace, v. a. to hold fondly in the 
arms. 

When the little boy, who had been long ab- 
sent, returned home, his mother embraced and 
kissed him. 

to seize eagerly, or to take very wil- 
lingly ; as to embrace an oppor- 
tunity, — to embrace the christian 
religion. 

to take together so as to include or 
contain. 

Herodotus, a distinguished Greek writer, 
who lived 444 years before Christ, wrote in 
nine books a historv which embraces an at* 



ENA 



86 



END 



count of the wars of Persia against Greece 
till the reign of Xerxes. He is called the fa- 
„ ther of history. 

Em i grate, v. a. to go from one's own 
state or country, in order to live 
in another. 

Thousands of persons emigrate every year 
from Europe to the United States. 

Em i nent, a. rising above others, so 
as to be easily seen, or well known. 

Moses was eminent for his meekness. 
The city of Tyre was eminent in ancient 
times for its commerce and wealth. 

E mit, v. a. to send forth. 

The lamp emits light. 

The bank has lately emitted some bills of 
fifty cents. 

E mo tion, n. a feeling, moving, or 
agitation of the mind. 

When our Saviour went to the grave of 
Lazarus, his emotion of grief was deep and 
w he wept. 

Em pire, n. a country under the gov- 
ernment of an emperor ; — or seve- 
ral countries under one kingly gov- 
ernment. 

The British empire comprises England, 
Scotland, and Ireland, with certain small isl- 
ands near them, and numerous colonies in al- 
most all parts of the world. 

Em ploy', v. a. to make use of. 

He employed the best kind of stone and 
wood in building his house. 

He employed six workmen to get in his 
wheat during harvest. 

Ask yourself, every evening, how you have 
' employed your time during the day. 

Em u la tion, n. a striving to be su- 
perior to others. 

Frank's emulation led him to study very 
hard, that he might be at the head of the class. 

En act, v. a. for the legislature of a 
country to make a law. 

After a long discussion, a law for the im- 



provement of the common schools was en 
acted.' 

En coun' ter, v. a. to meet force with 
force, to rush upon danger or diffi- 
culty, and strive to overcome it. 

The forces of Richard III. and of Henry 
VII. encountered jeach other in Bosworth 
field in the year 1485. Richard's troops were 
defeated and himself slain, and Henry be- 
came king of England. 

to meet and endeavor to overcome. 

He who expects to accomplish any thing 
great and.good, must expect to encounter dif- 
ficulties. 

En cour age, v. a. to give courage to, 
to keep up hope and resolution. 

Two men had saved themselves from a 
burning steam-boat on a bale of cotton, and 
were floating in the water. One of them en- 
couraged the other,*who was becoming feeble 
and disheartened, by telling him to hold on a 
little longer, and they would soon reach the 
shore. 

En croach, v. a. to go beyond what 
one has a right to, and to get pos- 
session, by little and little, of what 
belongs to another. 

A farmer moved his fence, several times, 
farther and farther into the high-way, and had 
encroached upon it six feet before the wrong 
was discovered. 

to pass over a customary line. 

The land has encroached upon the sea so 
much, that the harbor, which was once a very 
good one, is now almost filled up. 

En cum ber, v. a. to connect with a 
thing that which is inconvenient 
or useless, and which hinders it 
from acting- and moving freely. 

The road was very muddy, and the stage- 
coach so much encumbered with baggage that 
u we advanced only three miles an hour; 

End, n. the last condition of a person 
or thing. 



ENG 

The end of the good man is peace, 
conclusion, result. 

He was often told, that the end of his 
wicked conduct would be certain ruin. 

the gre^t object for which things are 
done. 

His end in remaining at the academy an- 
other year, was the better to qualify himself 
to become a teacher. 

En de«v or, v. a. to try, to use 
strength or means of any kind in 
order to do a thing. 

A good child will constantly endeavor to 
improve. 

En dure, v. a. to bear up under some- 
thing without giving way. 

The pillars of the temple were of marble and 
able to endure the weight of the heavy roof. 

The poor little infant could not endure the 
severe cold, and died in its mother's arms. 

to be strong and patient under suffer- 
ing. 

Regulus, a Roman general, was taken pris- 
oner by the Carthaginians, and sent to Rome 
to bring about a peace. He promised to re- 
turn if he did not succeed. He advised his 
countrymen not to make the peace on the 
conditions which were proposed. He went 
back, knowing that he should be put to death 
in a very cruel manner, and he died enduring 
the most barbarous tortures without a word or 
a groan, — 251 years before Christ. 

v. n. to continue or last. 

" Weeping may endure for a night, but joy 
^cometh in the morning." 

En er gy, n. a very strong ability to 
think, to feel, or to act. 

Henry V., of England, in his youth, was 
very wild and vicious ; but when he became 
king, he showed great energy of character in 
breaking off entirely from his wicked com- 
panions. 

En gage, v. a. to bring one under an 
agreement or promise to do a 
thing. 



87 



ENO 



He engaged a man for one year, to take 
care of his business while he was gone. 

When we say that a person is engaged in 
something, we mean that he gives his time 
and attention very much to it. , 

When we say that a thing engages our at- 
tention, we mean that it draws and fixes our 
attention upon it. 

v. n. to meet in battle or combat. 

The combined fteets of France and Spain 
engaged in battle with the English fleet under 
Lord Nelson, off Cape Trafalgar, in the year 
1805. The English were victorious, but 
Nelson was slain. 

to agree or promise to do a thing. 

He engaged to keep the school during the 
winter for thirty dollars a month. 

En join', v. a. to tell a person with 
earnestness and authority what to 
do. 

The mother on her dying bed gave her son 
a Bible, and enjoined upon him to read it 
daily. 

En joy', v. a. to take pleasure in. 

We rode quite to the top of the mountain, 
and enjoyed the pure air and the fine prospect, 
very much. 

to have that from which we derive, 
or might derive, pleasure or advan- 
tage. 

Eliza went several years to an excellent 
school, where she enjoyed the best opportu- 
nities for improvement. 

En mi ty, n. a feeling of very 
strong and fixed dislike to another, 
which shows itself in attempts to 
injure him, and in being glad when 
evil happens to him. 

There was so much enmity between the 
Jews and the Samaritans, that they had no 
dealings with each other. 

E nor mous, a. very much greater 
than things of the same kind usu- 
ally are. 



ENT i 

The mastodon was an enormous quadruped. 

There are none now living. The skeleton of 

one in the museum at Philadelphia, is 18 feet 

in length, and 11 feet 5 inches in height. 

M The tusks are 10 feet and 7 inches long. 

En' ter prise, n. something of conse- 
quence that men set out to accom- 
plish, which is difficult or danger- 
ous, and requires* resolution and 
boldness. 

It was a daring enterprise in Hannibal, the 
celebrated Carthaginian general, to lead his 
army across the lofty Alps, and through the 
snows, and difficult rocky passages, into 
Italy. This happened a little more than 200 
\ years before Christ. 

En ter tain, v. a. to receive into one's 
dwelling and treat kindly and hos- 
pitably. 

The hotel is large, well-furnished, and well- 
kept, and two hundred persons can be enter- 
tained in it at one time. 

to receive and keep something in the 
mind, or heart. 

Men, in former times, entertained the 
opinion that the sun moved round the earth. 

to hold the attention of one agreeably, 
by what is amusing or instructive. 

Francis was very much entertained, for a 
a number of evenings, by reading Rollin's 
Ancient History. 

En tice, v. a to draw or urge, usually 
to what is evil, by the offer of 
some good. 

Satan enticed Eve to pluck the forbidden 
fruit. 

" My son, when sinners entice thee, con- 
sent thou not." 

En tire, a. not broken or separated 
into parts, undivided. 

John gave Eliza a whole orange, though it 
was cut into quarters. He gave Mary an 
entire orange ; it was not cut at all. 

She had the entire care of the orphan chil- 



\ EQU 

dren ; no one else had any part in their man- 
agement. 

En ti tie, v. a. to give a name to. 

Milton entitled his celebrated poem, " Para- 
dise Lost." 

to give a right or claim to. 

His age and character entitle him to our 
respect. 

En treat, v. a. to ask something of 
one very earnestly. 

When the plagues were sent upon the 
Egyptians, Pharaoh asked Moses to entreat 
the Lord to remove them. 

E nii me rate, v. a. to count up things, 
and see how many there are. 

Who can enumerate the stars ? 

En vy, v. a. to feel uneasiness, sor- 
row, and pain, because another has 
something desirable which one 
has not himself, and to dislike oi 
hate him on that account. 

" Envy is the rottenness of the bones." 

E pis tie, n. a letter written on some 
important occasion ; as " The 
Epistle of Paul to the Romans." 

E pocA, n. a point of time when some 
remarkable event happens. 

The time when the deluge happened, 1656 
years after the creation, is a great epoch in 
the history of the world. 

E quip, v. a. to fit out, or furnish with 
what is necessary for accomplish- 
ing some particular object. 

Daniel set out on a long journey. He was 
well equipped for it. He had a good horse ; 
a good bridle and saddle ; spurs, whip, and 
umbrella ; clothes of the best kind ; money 
enough to pay his expenses ; a pocket-bible, 
^ and a few good books. 

Eq ui ta ble, a. doing what is right,— 
doing to others as one would have 
others do to himself. 






ERR 

An equitable judge is one who will decide 
according to what is right between the par- 
ties who come before him, whatever may be 
their character or condition. 

E quiv a lent, n. that which is equal 
in value, power, or meaning. 

He owed me a dollar which he could not 
pay me, but he gave me a book which I took 
as an equivalent. 

E ra, n. a point of time when some 
remarkable event happened, and 
from which nations, or bodies of 
men, reckon years or other por- 
tions of time. 

The birth of Christ is the era from which 
we reckon time. 

The era from which the Mohammedans 
reckon their time, is the flight of Mohammed 
to Medina, which took place in the year of 
our Lord 622. 

The word era is, also, sometimes used to 
denote any length of time after some remark- 
able event. 

E rase, v. a. to rub or scratch out let- 
ters or marks, so that they cannot 
be seen. 

He erased two lines in his letter in which 
there were several mistakes, and wrote them 
over again. 

E rect, v. a. to place upright or per- 
pendicular to the horizon. 

The soldiers erected a pole with the flag of 
the United States floating from it. 

to set up, or raise something from 
the ground by placing the things 
of which it is made one above the 
other. 

There is a fine monument in Baltimore 
erected to the memory of Washington. 

Err, v. nAo miss the right way, to go 
wrong, to mistake. 

He erred greatly in giving up his business ; 
for he finds that he cannot be happy without 
having something to do. 



89 



EST 



Who can say that ne has never erred from 
the path of duty ? 

In adding up the account there was an 
error of five dollars, which the man did not 
discover lill he had paid the bill. 

David says; "Who can understand his 
errors, cleanse thou me from secret faults." 

Es cort, v. a. to attend by land in or- 
der to defend from harm. 

When Paul was sent from Jerusalem to 
Cesarea, he was escorted by two hundred 
soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred 
spearmen. 

E spe' cial, (e spesh al,) a. first of all, 
most important, most worthy of 
notice. ^ 

The mother told her little son to take espe- 
cial care in walking over the log which was 
across the brook. 

We should think of God with reverence at 
all times, and especially when we pray to 
him. 

Es sen tial, a. that without which 
something else cannot be or act. 

Air is essential to the life of animals. 
Study is essential to improvement in 
knowledge. 

highly important. 

Cleanliness is essential to comfort. 
Es tab lish, v. a. to fix or set firmly. 

" He hath made the earth by his power, he 
hath established the world by his wisdom." 

to make, fix, or settle something so 
as to have it durable. 

Stephen Girard left a large sum of money 
to establish a college for orphan children at 
Philadelphia. 

He has, for years, been considered an ex- 
cellent physician. His character, in this re- 
spect, is well established. 
to fix by authority ; as to establish 
laws for a country, to establish 
rules for a school. 
Es tate, n. condition; rank. — all that 
a man owns. 



EVI 



90 



EXA 



Houses and lands are called real estate. 

Es teem, v. a. to set a value upon. 

God says ; " Them that honor me, I will 
honor ; and they that despise me, shall be 
lightly esteemed." 

to have a high opinion of, to set a 
high value upon, on account of 
real worth. 

We should seek rather to be esteemed for 

being good, than to be admired for being great. 

What is deserving of esteem, we call 



E ter nal, a. without beginning or 
end of being. 

God is eternal. 

•without change ; as eternal truth. 
E vade, v. a. to turn off or avoid a 
difficulty or danger, by skill or ar- 
tifice. 

A large stone was thrown at him, but he 
evaded the blow by quickly stooping to the 
ground. 

The robber concealed himself for three 
days and nights in the woods, but he was per- 
sued by so many that he could no longer 
evade them, and was taken. 

E vent, n. any thing which happens, 
usually of some consequence. 

The birth of our Saviour was a most joy- 
ful event, 

that which follows from something 
done. 

The event of the revolutionary war, was 
the acknowledgment of the independence of 
_the United States by Great Britain. 

Ev i dence, n. that which helps to 
show us what the truth is about a 
person or thing. 

I see the sunshine. My sight gives # me 
certain evidence that there is a sun. 

He told me that he saw the northern lights 
last evening. He is a man of truth, and his 
word is sufficient evidence to me that there 
were such lights at that time. » 



He passed the loadstone over the sand, and 
it drew up many small dark colored particles, 
which was sure evidence that the sand con- 
tained iron. 

The good effects of the Bible upon those 
who truly love and obey it, is a strong evi- 
dence of its truth. 

One who is under oath, and tells in court 
what he knows about a person or thing, is 
w sometimes called an evidence. 

Ev i dent, a. clear, and easy to be 
perceived or understood. 

The houses in the town were shaken so 
violently, that it was evident to all there must 
have been an earthquake. 

Ex act', (egz act) a. according to 
what is right, orderly, and proper, 
without any deviation from it, — 
having nothing omitted or not done 
that ought to be done. 

If he says that he will have a pair of shoes 
done for you on a certain day, you may de- 
pend upon it ; for he is always exact in keep- 
ing his promise. 

The school begins at 9 o'clock, and the 
children should be there at the exact time, 
and not five or ten minutes after nine. 

During the revolutionary war, Washington 
kept an exact account of his expenses, which 
Congress paid, and which was all he would 
receive for his services. 

Ex act', (egz act,) v. a. to demand, or 
require a thing to be done, by au- 
thority or force. 

A teacher has a right to exact obedience 
from his scholars to all his reasonable com- 
mands. 

When the soldiers took possession of the 
town, they exacted a large sum of money 
from the inhabitants. 

Ex ag' ge rate, (egz aj ge rate,) v. a. 
to speak of a thing as greater, or 
more important, than it really is. 

A child who had been looking at an ant-hill 
not larger than a tea-cup, came in and told 
his mother that it was as big as a half bushel. 



EXC 

She said if he exaggerated in that way, she 
feared he might soon learn to lie. 

Ex alt', (egz alt,) v. a. to raise high 
in power, wealth, character, or 
office. 

Moses was the son of parents in a low con- 
dition, but was afterwards exalted to be the 
leader and commander of the Israelites. 

to raise high with praise. 

" Be thou exalted, O God, above the heav- 
ens ; let thy glory be above all the earth." 

Ex am' ine, (egz am in,) v. a. to look 
very carefully into or about a 
thing. 

His pocket-book was missing, and he could 
not find it although he examined his pockets, 
the drawers in his bureau, his trunk, his 
closet, and every part of the room. 

The merchant examined several newspa- 
pers, to see if he could find any news about 
his vessel, 
to question a person closely in order 
to find out something important. 

The lawyer examined the witness a long 
time to discover what he knew about the 
matter. 

Ex am' pie, (egz am pi,) n. some- 
thing said, done, or made, which if 
proper should be copied after, and 
if wrong, avoided. 

Our Saviour has given us the story of the 
good Samaritan as an example of kindness, 
that we may go and do likewise. 

The Spartans used to make their slaves 
drunk, and lead them into the public halls, 
in order that the young men might be led to 
see the evils of such examples and avoid 
them, 
something which is used to make 
another thing plain to be under- 

1 stood ; as the examples under the 
different rules in Arithmetic. 
Ex ceed, v. a. to go beyond, to be 
more than. 



91 EXC 



His expenses were twelve hundred dollars 
a year, and exceeded his income which was 
only one thousand. 

I was much more interested in the pictures 
than I thought I should be ; they quite ex- 
ceeded my expectations. 

Ex eel, v. a. to be or do better than 
another. 

Frederick excelled every scholar in the 
school in penmanship. 

The Greeks excelled all other ancient na- 
tions in painting and sculpture. 

Ex cep tion, n. something taken out 
from among other things as differ- 
ent from them. 

Each of the months in the year has thirty 
or thirty-one days, with the exception of 
February, which has twenty-eight, and once 
in four years, twenty -nine days. . 

objection. 

His reasoning was so conclusive, that no 
one made any exception to it. 

When one is offended at a thing, it is some- 
times said that he takes exceptions at it. 

Ex cess ive, a. going beyond what is 
right and proper. 

Joab thought that the grief of David for the 
death of Absalom was excessive, and re- 
proved him. 

Ex change, v. a. to give one thing for 
another. 

He exchanged his farm in Connecticut for 
some new lands at the west. 

Ex cite, v. a. to stir up, to give life 
and activity to. 

His long ride in the morning excited a good 
appetite for breakfast. 

His speech contained many witty remarks, 
Avhich excited the laughter of some, but the 
anger of others. 

Ex claim, v. n. to cry out loudly. 

Titus, who became emperor of Rome in 
the year 79, was a I eneficent prince ; — and 
recollecting, one evening, that during the day 
he had done no good deed, he exclaimed, " O, 
my friends, I have lost a day." 



EXH 



Ex elude, v. a. to shut and keep out, 
to hinder from. 

He disgraced himself so much by his bad 
conduct that he was excluded from all re- 
spectable company. 

to leave out as an exception. 

When he speaks of having thirty scholars 
in his school, he excludes two who come to 
take private lessons at noon. 

Ex e cute, v. a. to do all that is in- 
tended, or ordered to be done. 

He determined to be a distinguished paint- 
er, and though he had to encounter many 
difficulties, he kept on until he executed his 
purpose. 

When a criminal is put to death according 
to the sentence of the law, we say he is ex- 
ecuted. 
Ex ert', (egz ert,) v. a. to put forth or 
use with an effort. • 

He exerted all his strength to stop the 
horse, but was unable to do it. 

Ex hale', (egz hale,) v. a. to send or 
draw out, as fragrance or vapor. 

The rose exhales a sweet odor. 
When the sun rose, the dew was exhaled 
by it into vapor. 
Ex haust', (egz haust,)na.todrawout 
or use till nothing is left. 

There had been no rain for a long time, and 
all the water in the cistern was exhausted. 

The strength of the sick traveller was ex- 
hausted, and he could go no farther. 

Ex hit/ it, (egz hib it,) v. a. to bring 
out and show a thing, so that it can 
be clearly seen. 

The missionary exhibited to the children 
several idols which he had brought with him 
from the heathen. 

The lady in India who suddenly opened 
her parasol to frighten away the tiger that 
was approaching her, exhibited great presence 
of mind. 

Ex hort', (egz hort,) v. a. to urge one 



92 EXP 

earnestly to do something which is 
right or necessary. 

Paul said to Timotny ; " Young men, like- 
wise, exhort to be sober-minded." 

Ex' ile, (egz ile,) n. the being driven 
away from one's country by author- 
ity, and forbidden to return. 

The Emperor of Russia often sends crimi- 
nals, and persons who are suspected of crime, 
into exile in Siberia. 

The person who is thus sent away, is call- 
ed an exile. 

Ex ist', (egz 1st,) v. n. to be, to live. 

We began to exist, but we shall never cease 
to exist; we shall live forever. 

Ex pand, v. a. to spread out a thing, 
so as to make it larger, or wider. 

He expanded the umbrella. 
The balloon was expanded and rose into 
the air. 

v. n. to spread out and become wider 
or larger. 

Some flowers expand beneath the light 
and heat of the sun, but close at night. 

Ex pect, v. a. to think that a thing 
will happen. 

They were watching the moon in good sea- 
son, expecting to see the eclipse. 

Ex pe di ent, a. that which is best to 
be done, taking things as they are. 

He heai-d that there was considerable sick- 
ness in the place where his daughter was at 
school, and thought it expedient to have her 
come home. 

It is sometimes expedient for a man to give 
up what he has a right to, rather than have a 
law-suit about it which will cost him a great 
deal of money. 

Ex pe di' tious, (eks pe dish us,) a. 
doing or done quickly. 

He was very expeditious in walking, and 
the country being hilly he kept ahead of the 
stage coach during the day. 

Ex pel, v. a. to drive or force out. 



EXP 93 

In blowing a bellows, the air is expelled 
from it. 

He was expelled from college for miscon- 
duct, and never suffered to return. 

Tarquin, the Proud, the last king of Rome, 
was expelled from the city for his tyranny, 
and the kingly office was abolished, 509 years 
before 1 Christ. 

Ex pe ri ence, n. what a person has 
himself felt, seen, known, or made 
trial of, and has not learned from 
others. 

His experience of the mild climate of Cuba, 
led him to advise his sick friend to spend a 
winter there. 

He was very kind in encouraging young 
men, for he knew from his own experience 
while an apprentice how much good might be 
done in that way. 

Ex per i ment, n. a trial, something 
done to find out what was uncer- 
tain or unknown. 

Some boys wished to see whether the ice was 
strong enough ^;o bear them, and made the 
experiment by throwing a large stone upon it. 

Ex pert, a. doing a thing easily, 
quickly, and skillfully, because one 
has often done it before. 

Charles was very expert in skating, so that 
hardly any of the boys could overtake or 
catch hirn. 

He had been a clerk several years, and 
was very expert in adding up a long column 
of figures. 

Ex plre, v. a. to breathe out. 

When we draw the air into our lungs, we 
inspire it ; when we throw it out, we expire 
it. 

v. n. to die ; as, he expired without a 

sigh or groan, 
to come to an end. 

The partnership between them expired on 
the first of January. 

Ex plain, v. a. to make a thing plain, 
so that it can be understood. 



EXP 



The master brought a beautiful globe into 
the school, and explained to the children the 
shape of the earth ; how it moves round its 
axis from west to east ; and why the days 
and nights are longer in some places than in 
others. 

Ex ploit', n. some great and uncom- 
mon action, requiring much effort 
or courage to perform it. 

When David wished for some water from 
the well of Bethlehem, three of his mighty 
men broke through the host of the Philistines, 
and got it at the hazard of their lives. It 
was a brave and dangerous exploit. He 
would not drink the water, however, but 
poured it out unto the Lord. 

Ex plore, v. a. to search every part 
very carefully. 

When the enemies of Mohammed were in 
pursuit of him, they came to a cave in which 
he was concealed. But they did not explore 
it ; for they thought no one could have enter- 
ed it, as they saw a spider's web across the 
mouth of the cave, and a dove just within, 
sitting on her nest. 

Ex port, v. a. to carry goods from one 
state or country to another in the 
way of trade. 

Great quantities of cotton are exported, 
every year, from the Southern States to 
Europe. 

Ex pose, v. a. to uncover; to lay 
open a thing to view, to danger, or 
to some evil. 

He very foolishly cut down a beautiful 
grove round his house, so that it was exposed 
to the hot rays of the sun. 

The kind missionary visited those who 
were sick with the plague, although he was 
continually exposed to take it. 

Ex press, v. a. to make known the 
thoughts and feelings, and the dif- 
ferent states of the mind. 

He was called upon to speak unexpectedly 
and expressed himself in^a neat and hand 
some manner. 






EXT 

His writings express what he means to say 
and nothing more. 

Deaf-mutes in conversation express a great 
deal by the mere countenance. 

He showed us a fine likeness of his father, 
in which there was a striking expression of 
dignity and benevolence. 

Ex press, n. a person sent in haste 
on some particular business. 

An express from England arrived at Bos- 
ton, and travelled day and night to Washing- 
ton with communications for the British 
minister. 

Ex punge, v. a. to blot or cross out 
letters with a pen. 

They expunged the writing so thoroughly 
that not a word could be read. 

Ex tend, v. a. to stretch out. 

The sailor in the boat extended his arm, 
and caught the boy just as he was sinking. 

to stretch in any direction. 

They extended the road ten miles farther 
to the new settlement. 

to enlarge. 

He was once very selfish and thought 
of nothing but himself and his own family, 
but now he has become benevolent and ex- 
tends his efforts to do good to all whom he 
can aid. 

He ascended the steeple of St. Paul's 
church, and had an extensive view of the city 
of London. 

Ex term i nate, v. a. to destroy ut- 
terly. 

After a great deal of labor, he succeeded in 
exterminating the Canada thistles from his 
fields. 

Ex ter nal, a. outward, on the out- 
side. 

The external surface of the glass of a 
watch is convex, and its internal surface is 
concave. 

The dress, manners and looks of a person 
are external ; his thoughts and feehngs are 
internal. 

Ex tol, v. a. to*praise very highly. 



94 



EXT 



When Nebuchadnezzar was restored to 
reason and his throne, he extolled and honor- 
ed the King of Heaven. 

Ex tort, v. a. to screw out from, to 
draw out with force or violence. 

He extorted money from the poor sick 
family, by telling them that if they Aid not 
sell some of their furniture, and pay the 
quarter's rent, which was very high, he would 
turn them out of doors. 

Ex tract, v. a. to draw out or take 
from. 

Mary was very resolute, and had two teeth 
extracted at once. 

When his scholars were reciting their 
lessons in Geography on Egypt, he read to 
them a few lines, or ex'tracts from a book of 
travels in that country. 

Ex tra or di na ry, a. that which is 
not common. 

He usually took an hour to learn his lesson, 
but being much pressed for time, he made an 
extraordinary effort and got it in half an 
hour. • 

uncommon and remarkable in a high 
degree. 

William Tell, a distinguished Swiss. pat- 
riot, showed extraordinary firmness, when he 
stood at a distance and shot an arrow through 
an apple on his son's head, by order of the ty- 
rant Gesler, who told him to do it, or he would 
take his life. This happened in the year 1307. 

Ex trav a gant, a. going beyond what 
is proper and right. 

He buys a great many more things than he 
can afford. He is extravagant in his ex- 
penses. 

The speaker tossed his head about, and 
swung his arms violently. He was very ex- 
travagant in his gestures. 

Ex treme, a. at the utmost point or 
edge of a thing. 

We had a delightful sail, and went to the 
extreme northern end of the lake. 

of the highest degree. 



FAC 

The cold was extreme, and several of the 
sailors were so badly frozen that it was 
doubtful whether they would recover the use 
of their limbs. . 

Cape St. Roque is the eastern extremity of 
South America, and Cape Blanco, the western. 

When a person is in very deep distress, we 
say he is in great extremity. 

Ex ult', (egz ult,) v. n. to leap as it 
were for joy. 

The people filled the air with their shouts, 
and exulted at the news of the victory. 

to rejoice over a fallen enemy. 

When the Israelites had passed safely 
through the Red Sea, they praised God for 
their deliverance and exulted over the Egyp- 
tians. 



TT^a ble, n. a short story, to teach the 
" truth in a pleasing Avay. It often 
supposes things to happen which 
never did tfappen — not to deceive 
us, but to instruct and amuse. 
Fab u lous, a, not true, invented as a 
fable or story, to please and in- 
struct. 

The stories about the heathen gods and 
goddesses, are all fabulous. 

Fa cil i ty, n. ease and readiness in 
doing a thing. 

It requires a good deal of practice to learn 
to write with facility. 

Fact, n. something done ; something 
which has really happened, and not 
merely supposed to have happened. 

It is a fact that the Spaniards fitted out a 
large fleet, called the Invincible Armada, to 
conquer England, in the year 1588, which 
was attacked and defeated by the English. 
Most of the ships were destroyed in the en- 
gagement, and a large part of the remainder, 
soon after, by a storm. 



95 FAI 

When Abimelech, in the Book of Judges, de- 
scribes the trees as going forth, on a time, to 
anoint a king over tbem, he does not mean to 
state a fact, but only relates an instructive 
fable. 

Fac tion, n. a number of persons 
combined and acting together, to 
oppose the government of a coun- 
try, or to get the government into 
their hands. 

When Jerusalem was besieged by the Ro- 
mans, the Jews were split into several differ- 
ent factions, which were continually attack- 
ing and killing each other. 

Fac ul ty, n. an ability to do some- 
thing which belongs to one natu- 
rally, .and is not acquired by art. 

We are able to see, that is we have the fac- 
ulty of sight. 

We are able to hea^ that is we have the 
faculty of hearing. 

We are able to remember, that is we have 
the faculty of memory. 

readiness and skill in doing some- 
thing. 

He has a remarkable faculty of keeping his 
school in order, with very little difficulty, or 
appearance of authority. 

Faith, n. belief. 

He doubted entirely the account in the 
newspaper. He said he had no faith in it. 

a cordial belief. 

Without faith in his declarations and prom- 
ises, it is impossible to please God. 

the religious doctrines believed by 
any body of men ; as the Christian 
faith, the Mohammedan faith. 

When a man fails to fulfill his solemn 
promises, we say he has broken his faith. 

When a man engages to do a thing, really 
intending to do it, we say he engages to do if 
in good faith. 

Faith ful, a. true to one's word. 

He said that he would not tell it to any 



FAN 

body, and he was faithful in keeping his 
promise. 

agreeing with. fact. 

He gave a faithful account of every thing 
just as it happened. 

doing carefully that which is intrust- 
ed to one to do. 

His father. left John alone in the evening 
to study his lesson, and he was as faithful in 
doing it as if his father had been there. 

A faithful friend is one who does all that 



9S 



FEI 



A- fa 
fri< 



his friend has a right to expect he would 
do. 

Fal ter, v. n. to stammer, or hesitate 
in speaking. — to fail or tremble in 
the bodily motions. 

He is a very old man, and his limbs falter 
as he walks. 

Fame, n. much public talking about 
a person or thim*. 

When Christ raised the ruler's daughter 
from the dead, the fame of the miracle went 
abroad throughout all that land. 

much public talking about what is 
good or great. 

The fame of Alfred the Great, as a wise 
and good king, has reached wherever the En- 
glish language is spoken. 

Thebes, a very ancient city in Upper 
Egypt, was famous for having a hundred 
gates. 

Fan cy, n. the power which the mind 
has of bringing up before it the 
appearances of things. 

He bought a considerable quantity of land, 
and his fancy was busy in picturing the ele- 
gant house that he would build, and the beau- 
tiful manner in which he would lay out his 
garden and grounds. 

Fancy is very active in dreams, bringing 
up strange and odd things before the mind. 

the feeling of like or dislike to things 
which are beautiful or ugly, suit- 
able or unsuitable. 

He said, the lady appeared to be intelli- 



gent and amiable, but her manners did not 
suit his fancy. 

the thinking or feeling about some- 
thing in a whimsical manner. 

It is a strange fancy in the young man to 
dress as the old gentlemen, did a hundred 
years ago. 

Fa tal, a. causing death or destruc- 
tion. 

He took laudanum by mistake, and though 
every effort was made to save him, it proved 
fatal, and he died in a few hours. 

Fate, n. what must happen and can- 
not be avoided. 

Many of the ancient martyrs, when con- 
demned to a cruel death, met their fate with 
composure, and even with joy. 

Fa. vor, n. kind and friendly feeling, 
benevolent regard. 

He gained the favor of almost every one 
by his obliging disposition and correct con- 
duct. 

Samuel, the prophet, when quite a child, 
was in favor both with the Lord and also witH 
men. 

a kind and friendly act. 

Will you do me the favor, as you pass by 

the Post-Office, to put this letter into the box? 

" A good man showeth favor and lendeth." 

aid, support, on the side of. 

When he was charged with theft, the evi- 
dence against him was so weak, and his char- 
acter for honesty so much in his favor, that 
no one would believe him guilty. 

The wind was favorable, and the ship made 
rapid progress. 

Feign, (fane,) v. a. to think or speak 
of things as existing which do not 
exist. 

The heathen poets feigned many foolish 
stories about their false gods. 

to seem to be what one is not. 

He feigned sickness, by saying that he had 
a head-ache, in order that he might stay at 
home from school. 



FID 



97 



F1L 



Fe ro cious, a. fierce and cruel, like 
a wild beast. 

The hungry tiger, seeking his prey, is a 
most ferocious animal. 

The keeper had so much tamed ike ferocity 
of the lion, that he could go into his cage 
without harm. 

Fer tile, a. yielding or producing 
much. 

Palestine was once a very fertile country, 
and it would be so again if it were well cul- 
tivated. 

Egypt owes its fertility to the overflowing 
of the Nile. 

We say a man has a fertile mind who strikes 
out a great many new and fine thoughts. 

Fer vent, a. having warm and enga- 
ged feeling. 

The little child was heard offering up a fer- 
vent prayer for its mother who was sick. 
Fes ti val, n. a time of feasting, or 
rejoicing, on some important oc- 
casion. 

The feast of tabernacles was a solemn fes- 
tival among the Jews, celebrated to keep them 
in mind that their ancestors dwelt in tents 
while passing through the wilderness. 

Fic kle, a. changeable, inconstant 
in feeling. 

He is as fickle as a weathercock. He 
thinks one thing to-day, but he will think 
very differently to-morrow. You cannot de- 
pend upon him. 

Fic tion, n. a story or tale made up 
to instruct or amuse. 

Children would do well to read fewer 
books of fiction, and more of true history. 

Fic ti' tious, (fik tish us,) a. not real 
or true, feigned. 

To excite pity, the beggar told a long story 
about his being captured by the pirates, 
whfch was afterwards found to be fictitious. 

Fi del i ty, n. doing one's duty con- 
scientiously and carefully. 
7 



Eliezer, the chief servant of Abraham, 
promised him that he would go into Mesopo- 
tamia to get a wife for his son Isaac, and he 
performed the promise with great fidelity. 

firm adherence to a person or cause. 

After the battle of Waterloo, an English 
surgeon was endeavoring to extract a bullet 
from the breast of an old soldier of Napoleon, 
who, looking up in his face said ; " Cut deep- 
er, and yo,u will find the emperor." This was 
an affecting instance of fidelity to his military 
leader. 

agreement with fact. 

The history relates the events just as they 
happened, and is remarkable for its fideli- 
ty- 

Fzerce, a. not gentle or moderate, 
rushing violently forward as a ti- 
ger to seize its prey. — easily en- 
raged. 

The lion was sleeping in his cage, when 
being touched by a cane, he sprang up sud 
denly, and ran against the bars in a very fierce 
manner. 

We say a man has a fierce countenance when 
he looks wild and violent. 

We say a man is fierce for a thing, when he 
is exceedingly eager and vehement in what 
he says or does to accomplish it. 

Fig u ra tive, a. standing for some- 
thing else which it resembles. 

When we say of a person, he is a fox, it is 
a figurative expression, by which we mean, 
he is cunning like the fox. 

A little infant may be compared to the 
morning dew, and it has been figuratively said 
of such a one that died ; " It sparkled, was 
exhaled, and went to heaven." 

When Christ said to his disciples, " Ye are 
the light of the world," he used a figure, 
meaning that they ought, by their instruction 
and example, to teach and lead mankind in 
the right way. 

Fil thy, a. very dirty, and disagree- 
able. — corrupt, impure in thought, 
feeling, conversation, or conduct. 



FLA 



98 



Fi nal, a. the last ; followed by no- 
thing. 

He took a final leave of his friends and 
country, and went out as a missionary ex- 
pecting never to return. 

bringing a thing entirely to a close. 

He wrote that nothing could induce him to 
engage in the business ; that it would be of 
no use to say any thing more about it ; and 
that this was his final answer. 

Fi' nite, (fT nite,) a. having bounds. 

Any number which can be counted is a 
finite nuinher. Any space which can be 
measured is a finite space. 

Firm, a. hard, closely pressed to- 
gether ; as firm flesh, firm wood. 
— strong, fast in its place, not 
easily moved or shaken. 

That old oak has braved the fury of many 
storms, and yet stands firm. 

His health is so firm that he is able to en- 
dure all kinds of weather and hardships. - 

He is a man of firm resolution, and you 
will find it of no use to endeavor to make him 
change his plan. 

Fla grant, a. very wicked and much 
blazed abroad. 

The cruel man whipped the poor child that 
lived with him till it died. It was a flagrant 
crime. 
Flat ter, v. a. to please one by prais- 
ing him, and leading him to think 
well of himself. 

" Meddle not with him that flattereth with 
his lips." 

to encourage by favorable appear- 
ances. 

The grain in the fields looks well, and the 
farmers are flattered with the prospect of a 
good crop. 

to raise false hopes. 

He has the consumption, and although 
drawing near the grave is flattering himself 
that he will recover. 



FLU 

Flay, v. a. to strip off the skin. 
Fleet, n. a company of ships. 
Fleet, a. moving very quickly ; as a 

fleet horse, the fleet wind. 
Flex i ble, a. easily bent. 

The branches of the weeping willow are 
very flexible. 

Flit, v. n. to fly or dart along quickly 

The wind was fresh, and the light fleecy 
clouds flitted through the air, casting their 
shadows over the fields. 

Flor id, a. having a lively red color. 

The little boy has just come in from play- 
ing in the snow, and see what florid cheeks 
he has. 

We call that a florid composition which 
abounds in figures and brilliant expressions. 

Flour ish, v. n. to have a healthy 
growth. 

That tree though small is very flourishing, 
and has yielded several barrels of apples this 
year. 

to be in a prosperous condition. 

The school is flourishing this winter. It 
has an excellent teacher; the scholars are 
regular in their attendance, diligent in their 
studies, correct in their conduct, and making 
good improvement. 

Flu ent, a. flowing on freely and 
easily. 

When he spoke, the words came to his lips 
as fast as he could utter them. They follow- 
ed each other quickly and smoothly. He was 
a fluent speaker. 

Flu id, n. that which is not solid, but 

flows ; as water, milk, juice. 
Flush, v. n. to grow red suddenly. 

Her cheeks were flushed, and showed that 
she had some fever. 

v. a. to excite highly and lift up with 

j°y- 

The troops were so flushed with their suc- 
cess in taking the town, that the general 
found it very difficult to keep them from plun 



FOR 



99 



FOR 



dering the inhabitants, and committing other 
excesses. 

Foe, n. a violent enemy or oppo- 
ser. 

When king Ahasuerus gave the Jews per- 
mission to defend themselves against those 
who should attack them, they slew of their 
foes seventy-five thousand. 

Envy is a foe to happiness. 

Foi' ble, n. a small degree of imper- 
fection or weakness in character 
or conduct. 

He has very fine children, but it is a foible 
in him to speak so much in their praise as he 
often does. 

Foil, v. a. by art, skill, or force, to 
keep one from succeeding. 

Augustus had taken Cleopatra, queen of 
Egypt, prisoner, and intended to lead her in 
triumph, as a captive, at Rome. But she 
foiled his purpose by destroying her life with 
the bite of an asp. This happened 30 years 
before Christ. 

Fo li age, n. the leaves of plants or 

trees. 
Fo ment, v. a. to bathe with warm 

liquids.— to excite and stir up 

something which is evil. 

He is a despicable tale-bearer, and foments 
many quarrels among his acquaintance, by 
telling them wrong things about each other. 

For age, n. food for horses or cattle, 
usually got by soldiers sent out to 
plunder. 

He was a noble and kind-hearted man who 
persuaded a company of soldiers, that were 
in search of forage, to pass by the field of his 
poor neighbor, and take it from his own. 

For bear, v. a. to cease doing, to keep 
from doing. 

How often God forbears to punish us as 
our sins deserve. 

She forbore to weep, that she might not dis- 
turb her sick son. 



Force, n. an ability to act on matter 
or mind, so as to cause some effect 
or change. 

The blacksmith has great force in his right 
arm, and brings down the heavy hammer upon 
the heated iron on his anvil so as to shape it 
as he pleases. 

He determined to abstain entirely from in- 
toxicating drinks, and has shown the force of 
his determination \y not using any for twenty 
years. 

There was^so much force in his arguments, 
that he convinced all who were opposed to 
him when he began his speech, and they 
agreed with him in opinion. 

causing a person to do something 
against his will. 

When our Saviour was on earth, some of 
the Jews wished to take him by force and 
make him a king. 

Fore go, v. a. to give up some good 
which one might claim or enjoy. 

We can hope to accomplish nothing good 
or great, unless we forego many present grati- 
fications. 

For eign, a. not of one's own country. 

He carries on an extensive foreign trade. 

not belonging to what one is doing or 
intending to do. 

It would be quite foreign to the design of 
this dictionary to put into it lessons on draw- 
ing. 

For feit, v. a. to lose some good by 
neglect, or by doing wrong. 

He has forfeited by his low and vicious 
conduct the respect of all decent people. 

Forge, v. a. to beat heated metal into 
shape by hammering. — to make 
something like another thing in 
order to deceive. 

He forged a check for 500 dollars on the 
bank, putting his brother's name to it; and 
the forgery was not detected till some months 
afterwards, when he was apprehended and 
put into prison. 



FOR 



100 



FOR 



For give, v. a. to let one oft from 
paying a debt. 

Our Saviour speaks of- a certain king who 
forgave one of his servants a debt of ten thou- 
sand talents ; while the latter was so hard- 
hearted as not to forgive a fellow-servant a 
debt of one hundred.pence. 

not to punish a guilty person, nor to 
have towards him any feelings of 
ill-will or unkindn#ss. 

Our Saviour says ; " If ye forgive not men 
their trespasses, neither will your heavenly 
Father forgive your trespasses." 

For lorn, a. being in a friendless, 
helpless, and cheerless condition. 
The poor maniac was wandering alone in 
the woods, without a home or any one to take 
care of her. Her case was truly a forlorn 
one. 

For mal, a. done strictly according to 
a custom or rule. 

The students were assembled in the chapel. , 
The President of the college stated the of- 
fense of the young man, and read his formal 
dismission. 

over nice in attending to certain cus- 
toms or rules. 

When in company, he is so particular in 
saying and doing every little thing according 
to what he considers the strictest rules of 
propriety, that he is stiff and formal in his 
manners. 

done outwardly, but heartless. 

Prayer is but formal worship, when the 
heart does not feel what the lips utter. 

For mi da ble, a. causing or fitted to 
cause fear. 

The locusts in the East sometimes come in 
such multitudes, that they are very formida- 
ble to the inhabitants. 

For sake, v. a. to go to, and take an 
interest in, no longer,— to leave 
entirely. 
A boy took some eggs from a bird's nest. 



The bird discovered it, and forsook her nest 
and returned to it no more. 

He was so much alarmed, that the blood 
forsook his cheeks. 

For ti fy, v. a. to make a place strong 
against an enemy. 

Cities in ancient times were so well forti- 
fied by high walls and towers, and broad and 
deep ditches, filled with water, that'they were 
often besieged for years without being ta 
ken. 

to make strong against some evil. 

He was fortified in his resolution never to 
gamble again, by thinking how much joy it 
wouLd give his wife. 
For ti tude, n. strength and firmness 
of mind in view of approaching 
evil, or in enduring evil without 
murmuring or sinking under it". 

Caius Mucius, a brave Roman, displayed 
great fortitude, when being seized in the 
camp, after failing in an attempt to kill king 
Porsenna, an enemy of his country, he thrust 
his hand into the fire, and kept it fhere till it 
was burnt off, to show what kind of men the 
king had to contend with. 

For tu nate, a. bringing some good 
in an unexpected manner. 

His drawing a large prize in the lottery 
was considered by some of his friends a very 
fortunate event, but as is usual in such ca- 
ses, it nearly caused his ruin. 

having some great good happen to 
one. 

He was very fortunate in embarking for 
Europe when he did; for he had the finest 
and most favorable weather during the voy- 
age. 

For tune, n. the happening of a thing 

by chance. 

It was the good fortune of the two brothers, 
to meet and know each other in New Orleans 
after a separation of many years. 

Some persons pretend to be able to tell 
what will happen to others, or what their for- 



FRA 



101 



FRO 



tunes will be, and a few are foolish enough 
to believe them. 

the property which belongs to one. 

His fortune is small, but by industry and 
economy he makes out to live very comforta- 
bly. 

When we say, he is a man of fortune, we 
mean that he has a large property. 

Fos ter, v. a. to nurse and feed with 
tender care. 

She took the little lamb, which was almost 
frozen, into the house, and fostered it for sev- 
eral days, till it was able to go to its dam. 

to keep alive and active in the mind. 

The mother fostered the vanity of her son 
by praising him so much in the presence of 
others. 

Found, v. a. to place one thing upon 
another that it may be supported. 

The castle is of stone and founded upon a 
rock, and has stood firm for centuries. 

" Other foundation can no man lay than that 
is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 
to make, fix, or settle some thing so 
as to have it durable. 

He gave twenty thousand dollars to the 
town, to found an academy. 

Frag ment, n. a part of a thing broken 
off from it. 

After our Saviour had fed the multitude, he 
commanded his disciples to gather up the frag- 
ments that nothing might be lost. 

the only part of a thing which is left. 

Polybius, a Greek, who died 121 years be- 
fore Christ, wrote a Universal History, of 
which only a fragment remains. 

Fra grant, a. having a sweet, pleas- 
ant smell. 

The field of clover, as we passed it, was 
very fragrant. 

Frail, a. weak, feeble, easily destroy- 
ed. 

It was a frail little infant, and its life was 
preserved only by the most careful nursing. 
11 Lord, make me to know mine end, and 



the measure of my days what it is ; that I 
may know how frail I am." 

Frank, a. speaking and acting as one 
thinks and feels, without conceal- 
ment or reserve. 

When the master asked James what he 
thought of his manner of teaching, he was 
very frank, and said he liked it much, except- 
ing in Grammar. In that study, he thought 
the master ought to give more explanations. 

Fran tic, a. acting without reason in 
a very violent and furious manner. 

She was frantic with grief ; tore her hair ; 
wrung her hands ; shrieked aloud, and seemed 
like a deranged person. 

Fra ter nal, a. belonging to brothers. 

James and John are brothers. We call the 
relation between them a fraternal relation. 

feeling kindly, as brothers ought to 
do towards one another. 
It is pleasant to see the fraternal affection 

* which the brothers always show towards each 
other. 

Fraud, n. gaining or attempting to 
gain wrongfully, and by artifice, 
some advantage over another, or 
something which belongs to an- 
other. 

He came with a forged letter, and obtained 
a large amount of goods on credit. It was 
several months before the fraud was detected. 

Fric tion, n. the rubbing of one thing 
against another. ff 

The Indians often kindle a fire by friction, 
rubbing one hard stick upon another. 

Friv o lous, a. light, trifling, of little 
importance. 

Sarah made a frivolous excuse for being 
late at school, by saying that she lost an apple 
on the way, and went back to find it. 

Fron tier , n. that part of a country 
Which lies next to another coun- 
try. 



FUN 



102 



GAR 



Troubles are sometimes feared from the 
Indians on the western frontiers of the United 
States. 

Fro ward, a. willful, perverse, and 
hard to be governed. 

The widow had a very froward son who 
gave her a great deal of trouble. He would 
not obey her directions, nor follow her advice. 
He was continually going with wicked com- 
panions, and getting into mischief. 

" He that hath a froward heart findeth no 
good," 

Frii gal, a. careful not to use or spend 
more tlian is necessary. 

She was a frugal housewife. She had every 
thing neat and comfortable, but took care to 
waste nothing, and not to spend more than 
her husband could well afford. 

Frus trate, v. a. to bring to nothing, 
to keep a person or thing from suc- 
ceeding. 

Julian the apostate, a Roman Emperor, wh© 
died in the year 363, attempted to rebuild the 
temple at Jerusalem, in order to disprove a 
prophecy of scripture. He was frustrated, 
however, by an earthquake, and by fire break- 
ing out from the ground, and abandoned the 
design. 
Fu gitive, n. one who flees from pun- 
ishment, danger, or duty. 

After Cain had killed his brother Abel, God 
said to him ; " A fugitive and a vagabond shalt 
thou be in the earth." 

Fulfill',?;, a. to do to the full ; to do 
all that is foretold, or intended, or 
promised, or wished, or that ought 
to be done. 

Christ was born in Bethlehem, and thus 
the prophecy of Micah respecting the place of 
his birth was fulfilled. 

" All the law is fulfilled in one word, even 
in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy- 
self " 

Fund, n. the money with which" any 
business is begun and carried on, 



for the sake of profit ; as the fund 
of a manufacturing company, the 
fund of a bank. 

When a person is said to have funds, it 
means that he has money on hand. 

When we say that a person has a fund of 
any thing, we mean that he has an ample sup- 
ply ; as a fund of knowledge, a fund of expe- 
rience. 

Fun da ment al, a. belonging to the 
foundation, important in the high- 
est degree, necessary. 

The existence of God is a fundamental 
truth in religion ; for there can be no religion 
without a God. 

Fu ri ous, a. rushing forward vio- 
lently ; as a furious tempest, a furi- 
ous stream. 

The fury of the storm was so great that the 
strongest trees fell before it. 

violent with anger or madness. 

In the cruel bull-fights in Spain, they goad 
the poor animal with spears till he becomes 
furious. 

" Make no friendship with an angry man, 
and with a furious man thou shalt not go." 

Furl, v. a. to draw up ; as to furl the 
sail of a ship close to the yard, or 
a flag to the staff. 

Fur nish, v. a. to get or supply that 
which is necessary ; as to furnish 
a room with chairs, to furnish a 
scholar with books, to furnish the 
mind with knowledge. 

G. 

/^J.am bol, v. n. to skip, frisk, and play 
about, like children or young 

lambs. 
Garb, n. . dress, outward appearance 

of a person. 






GEN 



103 



GEN 



I should think from his garb that he is a 
clergyman. 

Gai land, n. a wreath of flowers, 
leaves, or branches to put round 
the head. 

When Pain and Barnabas were at Lystta, 
and had heaL J a lame man who had never 
walked, the priest of Jupiter brought to the 
gates of the city c?xen, and garlands with 
which to decorate them, and would have of- 
fered a sacrifice to the apostles, but the latter 
forbade it. 

Gar ri son, n. a body of soldiers sta- 
tioned in a fortified place, to defend 
it. 

The place itself, with such a body of troops 
in it, is sometimes called a garrison. 

Gaze, v. n. to look stf steadily and 
earnestly. 

While the disciples of Christ were looking 
steadfastly towards him, as he ascended from 
mount Olivet, two men stood by them in white 
apparel, who said ; " Ye men of Galilee, why 
stand ye gazing up into heaven ?" 

Gem, n. a precious stonq, as a dia- 
mond or pearl ; — a bud. 

Gen e ral, a. including the larger part, 
or the greater number. 

The general sentiment was in favor of 
peace, but a few restless and ambitious men 
wished for war. 

common to all of a kind. 

It is always found that water freezes when 
its temperature is 32 degrees above zero. 
This is a general law. 

not having a particular meaning. 

He said the remark which he made was a 
general one, and that the man had no right to 
suppose it was aimed at him. 

Gen e ra tion, n. parents are called 
one generation, — their children, an- 
other generation, — their grand chil- 
dren, another generation, and so 
oh. All the people who are liv- 



ing in the world at the same time, 
are also called a generation. 
Gen e rous, a. open-hearted and free 
in giving. 

He was a very generous physician > as 
ready to visit the poor as the rich ; and never 
asked any thing from those who could not 
afford to pay him. 

Many of them are yet living, and remember 
his generosity with gratitude. 

above all that is low or mean, having 
noble feelings. 

Alexander the great, though very ambitious, 
was often generous to his enemies. He or- 
dered the dead" body of Darius, king of Per- 
aki, whose army he had overcome, to have all 
tfie honors of a royal funeral, and sent it em- 
balmed to his mother. 

Ge ni al,«. making things grow, caus- 
ing life and cheerfulness. 

The genial heat of the sun brings forth the 
flowers in the spring. 

Ge ni us, n. the strong disposition or 
bent of mind which one has by na- 
ture for some particular employ- 
ment. 

Mozart,, an eminent German musician, who 
died at the age of 35, in the year 1791, showed 
in very early childhood a genius for music. 

uncommon powers of mind, espe- 
cially originality and invention. 

Among the poets, Homer and Milton are 
distinguished for their genius. 

We sometimes call the person who has 
these uncommon powers of mind a genius. 

Gen u ine, a. true, real, pure, — not 
having any thing mixed with it, or 
added to it, which does not prop- 
erly belong to it. 

The oashier of the bank examined the bill 
and said it was not counterfeit, but that it was 
genuine. 

He bought some honey which appeared to 
be excellent, but on using it he found it was 



GLA 



104 



GLO 



not genuine ; some molasses had been mixed 
with it. 

Germ, n. a bud. — that from which 
any thing grows or springs. 

A remark made by a friend led him to think 
more on the subject, and at length to write a 
book about it. The remark was the germ of 
the book. 
Gest lire, n. any motion of the body 
or limbs to express thoughts or 
feelings. 

In the instruction of the deaf and dumb, it 
is necessary for the teacher to use many ges- 
tures. 

GAast ly, a. looking v^ery pale and 
death-like. ~ 

He had been confined a long time by sick- 
ness, and was much wasted away. He had 
a ghastly appearance. 
Gin, n. an intoxicating liquor made 
from grain. — a trap, or snare. — a 
machine or engine. 
Glance, v. n. to shoot or dart light sud- 
denly. 

The flash of lightning glanced into the room 
and immediately disappeared. 

to fly off in an oblique direction. 

The^all from the cannon struck the side 
of the house slantingly, and glanced from it 
without doing any injury. 

to look at a thing with a quick cast 
of the eye. 

As we passed along rapidly on the rail-road, 
I could only glance at the neat church in the 
centre of the village. 

He wrote in great haste, and but just glan- 
ced at the subject in the postscript. 

Glare, n. a very strong light, shining 
so as to dazzle the eye. 

The glare of the sun in some warm coun- 
tries is so over-powering as ofteji to cause 
blindness. 

a fierce piercing look. 

They could see scarcely any thing of the 



tiger, through the darkness, but the frightful 
glare of his eyes. 

Gleam, n. a sudden shooting or dart- 
ing of light. 

It had been a dark and stormy day, but just 
,as the sun was setting, a beam of light broke 
through the clouds for a moment. 

Glean, v. a. to gather up what is left 
after reaping. • 

God gave this command to the Israelites : 
" When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou 
shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, 
neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy 
harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vine- 
yard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of 
thy vineyard ; thou shalt leave them for the 
poor and stranger." 

to gather what can be found only 
here and there. 

He went into the library and gleaned; from 
one book and another, all that he could find 
on the subject about which he was writing. 

Glim mer, v. n. to shine with a feeble 
and unsteady light. 

He was lost in the woods, and did not know 
which way to go, when he saw a glimmering 
light through the trees, and directed his course 
towards it. 

Glimpse, n. a slight view of a thing 
for a moment. 

The lake was at a considerable distance on 
our right, but as we rode along we just caught 
a glimpse of it between two hills. 

Glis ten, v. n. to shine, to sparkle 
with light. 

When Robert saw the pretty rabbit which 
his father bought for him, his eyes glistened 
with joy. 

Gloomy, a. wanting light, disagree- 
ably dark. 

The tomb under ground was opened, and 
we went into it. It was a gloomy place. 

not cheerful, dejected, melancholy. 

He is so gloomy that he never smiles, and 



GLU 



105 



GRA 



seems to take little or no interest in his family 
or business. 

G16 ri fy, v. a. to give praise or honor 
to. 

"When the multitude saw the dumb to 
speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame M 
walk, and the blind to see, they glorified the* 
God of Israel." 

to raise to glory. 

The true followers of Christ on earth, will 
be glorified with him in heaven. 

Glo ry, n. a bright shining like that 
of the sun, or of a brilliant star. — 
a splendid appearance. 

Our Saviour said of the lilies of the field, 
that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed 
like one of these. 
praise or honor ascribed to God. 

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto 
his name." 
; great celebrity or renown. 

How many who fancied they had secured a 
glory which would never die, are now^orgot- 
ten and unknown. 

In the Bible, the blessedness of heaven is 
called glory 

Glow, v. n. to shine with a very great 
or white heat. 

As the smith took the iron from the fire to 
put it on the anvil, it was glowing. 

to be bright or red. 

His cheeks glow with health. 
; to feel great warmth. 

He ran so fast, that although it was very 
cold, his body glowed with heat. 

His heart glowed with gratitude, when he 
thought of the kindness of his benefactor. 

Glut, v. a. to fill or gratify to excess 
so as to cloy. 

He sat down to a table full of nice things, 
and so glutted his appetite that he had no rel 
ish for food for several days. 

to furnish more than enough. 

There was a full supply of flour in the 



i iiert 



place, when another large cargo arrived, and 
glutted the market. 

He who is in the habit of eating to excess, 
is called a glutton. 

Goad, v. a. to prick and drive on with 
a sharp point ; as to .goad oxen or 
mules, to make them go faster. 

to stir up a person to do something 
by what is irritating and painful. 

The boy was so goaded on, by his ambition, 
to strive to be at the head of his class, that 
he grieved to see any one of his companions' 
do as well as himself. 

Goal, n. the point from which a race 
begins, or wlRch marks how far it 
is to reach. 

The goal from which the boys started in 
running, was* the corner of the school-house, 
and the goal which they strove to arrive at 
first, was an old oak forty rods distant. 

the great object which a person aims 
to accomplish. 

He was in a flourishing business, but the 
goal of his wishes seemed to be, to retire to a, 
farm in the country as soon as he was rich 

enough. 

Gor' geous, (gor jus,) a. fine, splen- 
did, showy, glittering with^gay 
colors. 

The train of the peacock spread out in the 
sun, is gorgeous. 

Grace, n. good will, kind and friendly 
feeling. 

When Joseph went down into Egypt, he 
found grace in the sight of Potiphar, the cap- 
tain of the king's guard, who had bought him. 

favor shown to the guilty and unde- 
serving. 

The Bible teaches us, that in Christ Jesus 
" we have redemption through his blood, the 
forgiveness of sins according to the riches of 
his grace." 

Nehemiah says, " Thou art a God ready to 
pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, 
and of great kindness." 



GRA 



106 



GRA 



the influence of God on the mind, 
. leading it to that which is good. 

We need the grace of God to aid us in the 
performance of duty. 

that which is becoming, elegant, and 
pleasing in language, or in man-< 
ners. 

Milton says of Eve, 
" Grace was in all hersteps, Heaven in her eye, 
In every gesture, dignity and love." 

The motions of the swallow, as it skims 
and floats in the air, are graceful. 

Faith, hope, charity, meekness, patience, 
and other similar characteristics of the Chris- 
tian, are called Christia^graces. 

Gra da tion, n. a going on regularly 
by degrees. 

He went into the army as a^private soldier, 
and rose by regular gradation till he became 



Grade, n. a step or degree in any order 
of things. 

In a single company of soldiers the officer 
of the highest grade is the captain. 

Grad u al, a. step by step, advancing 
or declining by degrees, slowly. 

The ascent of the sun in the sky is gradual, 
audits descent also. 
Grand, a. so great as to excite admi- 
ration, and cause elevated feelings. 

The vast ocean when at rest is a grand ob- 
ject. 

An army of one hundred thousand, all mo- 
ving together in perfect order, at the command 
of one man, is a grand sight. 

It was a grand idea of Columbus, before he 
discovered America, that there must be land 
on the western side of the globe, to balance 
that on the eastern. 

There is a striking grandeur in a lofty 
mountain as it rises above the clouds. 

Grant, v. a. to admit thai a thing is 
true which has not been proved to 
be so. 



The lawyer said they need not bring for- 
ward a witness to show that a certain thing 
was so, for he would grant that it was. 

to make a gift of something to one 
who asks for or desires it. 

~* He had an excellent well of water, and 
' granted permission to the neighbors to draw 
from it when they pleased. 

Grasp, v. a. to catch and hold in the 
hand or arms. 

He had fallen overboard in a dark night, 
and was just sinking in the water, when he 
grasped a rope and drew himself up by it in- 
to the ship. 

v. n. to try to catch and hold. 

The little child grasped at a shadow on the 
wall, but found he could not catch it. 

He is a very avaricious man, and is con- 
tinually grasping after more and more money. 

Grate ful, a. remembering favors and 
feeling what one owes for them. 

When David was driven from his throne by 
his^on Absalom, and was in great distress 
for%ant of food, Barzillai, the Gileadite, 
brought provisions for him and those that were 
with him. David was grateful for this, and, 
when about to pass over Jordan on his return, 
said to Barzillai, " Come thou over with me, 
and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem." 
He Was too old to go himself, but he sent his 
son. 

agreeable, pleasant to the feelings." 

It was very grateful to the thirsty travellers 
to drink from the fountain in the cool shade. 
■ When we have, done well, the commenda- 
tion of those whom we love and respect is 
always grateful to us. 

Grat i fy, v. a. to give pleasure to. 

He was much gratified by the' civilities 
which were shown him when he visited the 
city. 

It is a great gratification to parents to see 
their children growing up to be respectable 
and useful, 
to please by complying with. 

Frank was desirous to visit the falls of Ni- 



GRI 



107 



GRU 



agara during the vacation, and his father grati- 
fied his wishes. 

Grat i tude, n. a heart-felt remem- 
brance of favors. 

That man is not to be trusted, who feels no 
gratitude to his benefactors. 

Gra tu i tous, a. given or done for 
nothing. 

The teachers in the Sunday-schools in- 
struct the children without any compensation. 
Their services are gratuitous. 

given or done to those who have no 
claim to it. 

He told the workmen in his factory that 
they might go into his garden when they pleas- 
ed, and gather fruit. This was not a part of 
the bargain he had made with them. It was 
entijfely gratuitous. 

asserted without proof. 

He said the climate in a certain part of the 
country was unhealthy. But he had never 
been there, and in fact knew nothing about it. 
His remark was gratuitous. 

Grave, a. not light or gay,— looking, 
speaking, and acting in a serious 
manner. 

He was so grave even when a boy, that his 
companions ufeed to call him the judge. 

We call a dress grave which is plain and 
has no light and gay colors. 

In music, low sounds are called grave. 

Greet, v. a. to meet and address kind- 
l Y- 

He had been absent from his native village 
twenty years, and when he returned all his 
old acquaintances came out to greet him with 
great joy. 

to send kind wishes to the ab- 
sent. 

In his epistle to the Corinthians, Paul says, 
" All the brethren greet you." * 
Gnef, n. pain and sorrow on account 
of some evil which befalls one. 

It is said that the grief of Henry II. king 



of England, at the misconduct of his sons 
was so great that he died of a broken heart. 
This happened in the year 1189. 

The famine was so grievous in Canaan, 
that Abraham went down for a while to dwell 
in Egypt. 

Grim, a. looking fierce and terrible 
in the face. 

Death is sometimes called the grim mes- 
senger. 

Grope, v. a. to try to find one's way 
in the dark by feeling. 

The men went down into the deep cave, 
and their lights being extinguished by a sud- 
den blast of wind, jt was with great difficulty 
that they groped their way back again. 

Gross, a. bulky and fat ; as a gross 

man. 
not decent, immodest. 

He used such gross language that it is im- 
proper for me to repeat it. 

We call a great and striking mistake, er- 
ror, fault, or insult, a gross one. 

The gross amount of a thing is the whole 
amount, without giving the particulars. 

Ground' less, a. without foundation, 
false. 

The report of his death is entirely ground 
less, and he is expected home in a few days 

Group, n. a number of persons or 
things near together without any 
regular order. 

Among the boys who stood in a group around 
the poor, blind beggar, there was one who 
pitied him and gave him some money. 

Grudge, v. a. to envy. 

An ambitious boy at the bottom of the clas? 
is very apt to grudge him his pleasure who is 
at the top. * 

to give, take, or do a thing very un- 
willingly. 

He is so selfish that he grudges the very 
little which he thinks he must give to the 
poor to avoid being despised. 



GUI 



1*08 



HAM 



Grudge, n. ill-will on account of 
some old dispute or quarrel. 

They had a law-suit twenty years ago, and 
one of them cherishes such a grudge against 
the other, that he will not speak to him. 

Guard, v. a. to watch and be ready to 
defend against danger. 

When travellers in the East pass through 
the deserts, they go in company, and are at- 
tended by armed men to guard them against 
robbers. 

We should alv/ays be on our guard against 
temptation. 

Guard i an, n. one who has the care 
of another. 

He was seven years old when his father 
died, and his uncle was appointed his guar- 
dian. 
Guest, n. one who is entertained at 
the house of another. 

When our Saviour went with Zaccheus, 
to his house, they said, " he was gone to be 
guest with a man that, is a sinner." 

Guide, v. a. to point out the right 
way, to tell one what to do, or how 
to do it. 

He did not know the path across the moun- 
tain, and hired a man to go with him and 
guide him. 

The Psalmist says of God ; " The meek 
will he guide in judgment ; and the meek will 
he teach his way." 
Guile, n. deep deceit. 

" Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips 
from speaking guile." 

Guilt, n. the having done wrong, and 
being liable to punishment on ac- 
count of it. 

After Adam and Eve had eaten the forbid- 
den fruit, they were conscious of their guilt 
and hid themselves from the presence of the 
Lord among the trees of the garden. 

John came to his father and confessed that 
he had been guilty of striking his little broth- 
er; but said he felt very sorry for it, and 



would do so no more, and begged his father 
to forgive him. 

Gush, v. n. to flow or burst forthwith 
violence, as a fluid. 

When Moses smote the rock in the wilder- 
ness with his rod, " the waters gushed out, 
and the streams overflowed." 

H. 

TTab it, n. a disposition of the 
J " L mind or body, acquired by cus- 
tom, to do a certain thing, or to be 
in a certain state. 

He began to gamble when a boy by pitching 
cents. He afterwards learned to play cards, 
and kept on till he played for large sums of 
money. He formed, at last, such a habit of 
gambling that it ruined him. 

the doing of a thing often from hav- 
ing acquired the disposition to do it. 

When a child, his father used to let him 
sip a little wine from his glass at the dinner 
table. As he grew older, he was accustomed 
to^take a glass of wine with the rest. It was 
not long before he took stronger liquors fre 
quently, and the habit of doing this made him 
at length, a complete sot. 

Persevere in doing right ; for when it be- 
comes habitual it will be easy. 

Hale, a. sound, healthy, having no 
* part feeble or diseased ; as a hale 

ear of corn, a hale boy. 
Hal low, v. a. to set apart for the spe- 
cial service of God. 

" The Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and 
hallowed it." 

to treat with reverence because it is 
holy. 

" Hallowed be thy name." 

Ham let, -■•fo. a small collection of 
houses in the country. 

" Beneath those rugged elms, that yew-tree's shade, 
Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering 
heap, 



HAR 



109 



HAU 



Each in his narrow cell forever laid. 
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." 

Ham per, v. a. to put on fetters or 
shackles ; to make it difficult to 
move. 

We were so hampered by the briars in get- 
ting through the woods, that we made very 
slow progress. 

Hand some, a. pleasant to the eye, 
well-formed. 

His little daughter has handsome and reg- 
ular features, with an agreeable expression, 
though she cannot be called beautiful. 

ample. 

He has a handsome fortune, and devotes 
himself chiefly to study. 

large, considering the circumstances 
of the giver. 

He owned but a small farm, and had to la- 
bor hard for his living, yet he made a hand- 
some present of a library to the district school. 

Hank er, v. n. to long for with an 
eager appetite or desire. 

After the Israelites were delivered from 
bondage, and were wandering in the wilder- 
ness, they hankered after the cucumbers, the 
melons, the leeks, and the onions which they 
had enjoyed in Egypt. 
Har ass, v. a. to make weary by labor. 

The troops were harassed by long marches 
through the swamps. 

to tire by importunity or by care, to 
annoy greatly. 

Diocletian, a Roman Emperor, was so much 
harassed by the cares of government, that 
he left his throne, and retired to Salona, a 
town in Dalmatia, where he cultivated a small 
farm. When some of his friends wished him 
to become emperor again, he said, that if they 
knew his present happiness, they would rath- 
er endeavor to imitate than disturb it. He 
died in the year 313. 

Har bor, v. a. to give a place of rest 
or shelter to some evil person or 
thing. 



He harbored the thieves for some time in a 
room in his house, and received a part of the 
goods which they stole. 

He harbored revenge, for several years, 
against his neighbor who had injured him. 

Har dy, a. bold and daring. 

The old hardy sailor feared not the wildest 
storm. 

firm to endure fatigue. 

Julius Cesar, though he had a feeble con- 
stitution, by exercise and exposure, made him- 
self a very hardy man. 

Har mo ny, n. the agreeable sound- 
ing together of two or more mu- 
sical notes. 

The music was delightful. The voices of 
the singers and the instruments were in per 
feet harmony. 

agreement of one person or thing 
with another. 

The two friends thought and felt alike. 
They were never known to differ. What 
pleased one pleased the other, and this har- 
mony continued undisturbed through life. 

The accounts which the writers of the Gos- 
pels give of the life of Christ, are harmonious ; 
though one sometimes relates what another 
does not. 
Harsh, a. rough and unpleasant to 
the touch, taste, or ear ; as harsh 
hair-cloth ; the harsh taste of the 
crab-apple ; the harsh grating of 
a door on its hinges, 
rough in feeling, language, or con- 
duct. 

Friends should be very careful not to use 
harsh words towards each other; for they 
cause wounds which it is very difficult to 
cure. 

Haug-A ty, a. proud and disdainful, 
having a high opinion of one's 
self in comparison with others. 

"Pride goeth before destruction, and a 
haughty spirit before a fall." 



HEA 



110 



HER 



treating others with contempt as if 
much superior to them. 

To be haughty is not the mark of a great 
mind. 

Hawnt, d. a. to go very often to a. 
place. 

Idlers haunt taverns. 

to come so often as to be unwelcome. 

He complains of being haunted by trouble- 
some dreams almost every night, 

Hav ock, n. violent and wide-spread 
destruction. 

A wolf broke into a sheep-fold, and made 
great havock among the sheep. When 
the farmer came, he found most of them 
dead. 

Haz ard, v. a. to run the risk of loss, 
danger, or some other evil. 

A boy broke through the ice on a pond, and 
was near drowning, when another boy nobly 
hazarded his life to save him. 

Health ful, a. free from sickness, 
sound in health. 

That is a healthful plant, and grows well. 

conducive to health; as a healthful 
climate, a healthful diet. 

Heart, n. that part of the body which 
sends the blood throughout the 
whole of it. — the inner part or 
middle of a thing ; as the heart 
of a tree, the heart of a state or 
country. 

the word heart is often used to denote 
the feelings, affections, passions, 
desires, and purposes. 

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful counte- 
nance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is 
broken." 

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with 
all thine heart." 

" " A good man out of the good treasure of 
his heart, bringeth forth that which is good ; 



and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his 
heart, bringeth forth that which is evil." 

courage, spirit. 

Be of good heart, do not be afraid. 

Heart y, a. coming warm from the 
heart, sincere. 

He sent his friend a hearty invitation to 
come and visit him. 
strong, in full health. 

He is a very hearty man, and does not 
know what it is to be sick. 

Food which is supposed to be very nour- 
ishing, is called hearty food. 

Hea then, n. people who worship 
idols, or who know not the God of 
the Bible. 

Many missionaries have gone to teach the 
heathen, and to carry to them the Word of God. 

Heed, v. a. to attend to, to mind care- 
fully. 

When Nero became Emperor of Rome, he 
did not heed the good counsels of his instruc- 
tor Seneca, and was so ungrateful that he 
ordered him to kill himself. 

" Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his 
way ? by taking heed thereto according to thy 
word." 

He was so heedless in his sports, that he 
often hurt others, and got hurt himself. 

Hei A nous, (ha nus,) a. very hateful 
and wicked. 

To take a false oath, and tell what is not 
true, is a heinous crime. 

Heir, (are,) n. one who, when the 
owner of property, or the possess- 
or of a title, dies, has a legal right 
to it. 

He is heir to the large estate of his uncle, 
and will take possession of it when he comes 
of age. 

Her aid, n. an officer who in ancient 
times was sent out to proclaim war 
and peace, or to bear messages. — J 



HID 



111 



HOL 



one who goes before, to tell that 
another is coming. 

The little blue bird which we heard this 
morning, is the herald of spring. 

He red i ta ry, a. going down from 
parents, or ancestors, to their de- 
scendants, by some law of a coun- 
try or of nature. 

Some men in England are called dukes. 
When one of them dies, his eldest son is 
called a duke, and so on. This title is hered- 
itary. There are no hereditary titles in the 
United States. 

. He has the gout. His father and grand- 
father had it before him. It seems to be he- 
reditary in the family. 

Her mit, n. one who separates him- 
self from others, and lives entirely 
alone. 

Peter the hermit, after visiting the holy 
land, returned to Europe, and roused up the 
people to attempt to recover the country where 
the Saviour was born and died, from the hands 
of the Mohammedans. This happened at 
the close of the eleventh century. 

He ro, n. a man distinguished for 
bold and great actions. — a woman 
distinguished in the same way, is 
called a heroine. 

Hes i tate, v. n. to stop because one 
is in doubt what to believe,* to de- 
cide upon, or to do. 

Samuel's uncle wished him to come and be 
a clerk in the city, but he hesitated a long 
time, and at length determined not to go, but 
to remain at home and take care of his aged 
mother. 

to stop often in speaking, from having 
some difficulty in uttering words. 

His hesitation in reading was owing to bash- 
fulness. 

Hid e ous, a. frightful and shocking 
to see or to hear. 



The naughty boy tried to terrify his sister 
by putting on a hideous mask. 

Hint, n. partly telling a thing, a slight 
allusion. 

The master gave Robert a hint to take bet- 
ter care of his writing book, by asking him 
to see how neatly George kept his. 

Hire ling, n. one who works for pay. 

God says, He will be a swift witness 
against those who oppress the hireling in his 
wages. 

one who thinks only of what he gets 
for his services. 

" The hireling fleeth because he is an hire- 
ling, and careth not for the sheep." 

His to ry, n. an account of important 
things that have happened. 

The most ancient history is that which is 
contained in the Bible. 

We call a description of things which con- 
tinue the same from age to age, as minerals, 
plants, animals, and things of a similar kind, 
natural history. 

His to ri an, n. one who writes his- 
tory. 
His tor i cal, a. relating to history. 
Hoard, v. a. to lay up carefully. 

The miser deprives himself of many things 
which he needs, in order to hoard money 
which he will never use. 

Ho ly, a. perfect in all that is right 
and good. 

" The Lord is righteous in all his ways, 
and holy in all his works." 

entirely free from sin, doing the will 
of God perfectly. 

The inhabitants of heaven are holy. 

A man is called holy who loves and serves 
God sincerely, though he is not yet entirely 
free from sin. 

set apart for the special service of 
God ; as the holy Sabbath, the holy 
temple. 

We call the Bible holy, because it is the 



HOP 



112 



HOS 



Book of God, and to be treated with great 
reverence. 
Horn age, n. great respect shown to 
a superior. 

The Romans did homage to Virgil, their 
distinguished poet, by always rising when he 
entered the theatre, 

devout and reverential worship. 

The language of the lips will not be accept- 
able to God without the homage of the heart. 

Hon est, a. upright, just in dealing 
with others. 

The farmer told the man who bought some 
grain of him to go and measure it himself, for 
he was not afraid to trust an honest man. 

fair, Tree from fraud. 

He sold the whole house, pretending that it 
belonged to him when he owned only a part. 
It was not an honest transaction. 

true, without concealment or dis- 
guise. 

He gave an honest account of the whole 
matter, although he knew it would expose 
him to blame. 

Hon or, v. a. to show respect to. 

" Honor thy father and thy mother that thy 
days maybe long upon the land which the 
Lord thy God giveth thee.'' 

to show great reverence to. 

David desired to honor God by building a 
splendid temple for his worship. 

to raise in rank or condition. 

Pharaoh greatly honored Joseph by taking 
him from prison and making him governor of 
Egypt. 

We say of a man who has a high regard for 
what is noble and right, that he is a man of 
honor. 

H5pe, n. the desire of future good, 
with a belief more or less strong 
that it will be enjoyed. 

It was beautifully said by a deaf-mute ; 
" Hope is the blossom of happiness." 

The Bible calls the hope of the Christian, 
" an anchor to the soul, both sure and stead- 
fast." 



that which causes hope, or that object 
to which hope is directed. 

The shipwrecked seamen were in the long- 
boat without food or water, and their only 
hope was that they might fall in with some 
ship and be rescued. 

Hor ri ble, a. very dreadful and hid- 
eous. 

After the battle it was a horrible sight to see 
the mangled bodies of men and horses floating 
down the river. 

Hos pi ta ble, a. kind and generous 
in entertaining strangers and 
guests. 

The boy was sick and friendless. A poor 
widow took him into her house and treated 
him in the most hospitable manner till he re- 
covered. 

" Use hospitality one to another without 
grudging." 

Hos pi tal, n. a place in which the 
sick, the poor, the insane, and other 
such persons are taken care of, by 
private or public charity. 

The establishment of hospitals for the suf- 
fering, is one of the happy effects of the 
Christian religion. 

Host, n. one who entertains strangers 
or guests. 

The good Samaritan paid the host for taking 
care of the wounded man. 

an army, or any very great number 
assembled together. 

When Christ was born, " a multitude of the 
heavenly hosts praised God, saying ; Glory 
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, 
good- will to men." 

Host age, n. a person placed in the 
keeping of others who are to have 
the right of depriving him of liber- 
ty, or of life, if certain things 
which have been promised them 
are not donei 



HUM 



113 



HYP 



Joseph kept Simeon as a hostage in Egypt, 
when the rest of bis brothers returned home, 
in order that they might not fail to bring Ben- 
jamin with them when they came again. 

Hos tile, a. opposed to, with the feel- 
ings of an enemy. 

Cato the elder, a distinguished Roman, was 
so hostde to the Carthaginians, that he never 
gave his opinion in the Senate on any sub- 
ject, without adding that he thought Carthage 
ought to be destroyed. 

What belongs to an enemy is also called 
hostile ; as a hostile country, a hostile fleet. 
House, n. a place to live in. — a family 
or household. 

Joshua said ; " As for me and my house, we 
will serve the Lord." 
a person with all his descendants. 
" All the souls of the house of Jacob which 
came into Egypt were three score and ten." 

a branch of a legislature ; as the 
House of Representatives in Con- 



Hov' er, (huv er,) v. n. to hang flut- 
tering in the air over or about a 
place. 

A hawk hovered some time over the barn- 
yard, and then darting suddenly down carried 
off a chicken. 

to move back and forth in the neigh- 
borhood of a place. 

The ship which was seen hovering off the 
coast for several days, was supposed to be a 
pirate. 
Huge, a. very large in size ; as a huge 

ox, a huge mountain. 
Hu man, a. belonging to mankind ; as 
a human face, a human voice, hu- 
man nature. 
Hu mane, a. having kind and tender 
feelings. 

The jailer is decided and strict, but yet 
8 



very humane, in his treatment ol the pnson- 
■ ers. 

The animals about his house and in his 
yard were all so tame and gentle, that any 
one might know that their master was a man 
of great humanity. 

Hum ble, a. low, not high or great. 

He once occupied a splendid house, but 
through misfortune has become poor, and now 
lives in a humble cottage. 

not proud, having a low opinion of 
'4 one's self. 

" God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace 
to the humble." 

" Before destruction the heart of man is 
haughty, and before honor is humility." 

To humble a person, is to make him lower 
in his own opinion, or in the opinion of oth- 
ers. 

Hu mor, n. the peculiar condition of 
one's feelings at a particular time, 
as it respects being cheerful or 
melancholy, good-natured or fret- 
ful, playful or serious, active or in- 
active, and the like. 

One day he is in the humor for writing, and 
the next day he does nothing but read, and 
then the humor takes him to be idle. His 
humor is very changeable. 
an agreeable way of representing 
things which tends to excite laugh- 
ter or mirth. 

Addison, an elegant English writer, has a 
great deal of humor. 

Hyp o crite, n. one who puts on the 
appearance of being what he is 
not. 

One man pretended to be a great friend of 
another, and spoke very kindly to him when- 
ever they met, while he hated him and was 
ail the while trying to injure him. He was a 
great hypocrite. 

The Pharisees used to make long prayers 
in the synagogues and at the corners of the 



ILL 



114 



IMA 



streets, that they might be seen of men. They 
were hypocritical prayers. 

Nothing is more mean in itself, more disa- 
greeable to men, or more offensive to God 
than hypocrisy. 

I. 

T de a, n. that which the mind thinks 
-*- about, 

I saw a beautiful rose yesterday. 1 am 
now thinking how it looked. I have an idea 
of it. Last evening I heard a flute. I am 
now thinking of it. I have an idea of its 
sound. 

The word idea is sometimes used to denote 
opinion or purpose ; as, they did not agree in 
their ideas on the subject, — he said, he had no 
idea of going to Boston at present. 

I dol, n. an image or representation 
of some thing made by man, and 
worshipped as a god. 

In the wilderness the Israelites made a calf 
and offered sacrifices unto the idol. 

Whole nations, at the present day, worship 
idols. 

any thing which men love very much 
more than they ought to do. 

The mother made such an idol of her little 
boy that he was spoiled by her indulgence. 

I dol a ter, n. one who worships an 
idol, or any thing else as a god 
which is not the true God. 

The ancient Greeks were idolaters, and 
they had so many false gods, that an Athenian 
once said, it was easier to find a god in Athens 
than a man. 

Ig no mm i ous, a. very disgraceful. 

. Among the Romans crucifixion was consid- 
„ ered a most ignominious punishment. 

Ill, n. wickedness. — any thing which 
causes injury or unhappiness. 

" Love worketh no ill to his neighbor." 

II lit e rate, a. not having learning. 

He is so illiterate that he cannot read in the 



Bible without stopping to spell many of the 
words. 

11 lfi mi nate, v. a. to fill with light. 

The city was so illuminated by the number 
of buildings on fire, that although it was mid- 
night one might see to read in any of the 
streets. 

Truth is often compared to light, and is said 
to illuminate the mind. 

II Id sion, n. something supposed to 
be true and real, when it is not so. 

She thinks often that she sees her absent 
friends. It is an illusion of sight. She thinks 
that she hears them speaking to her. It is an 
illusion of hearing. 

[1 Jus trate, v. a. to make a thing 
more clear, and easy to be under- 
stood. 

The master drew a map of the country on 
the black board, and in that way illustrated 
the lesson in geography to his pupils. 

In this book, the definitions are usually 
followed by illustrative examples. 

II lus tri ous, a. very highly distin- 
guished for goodness or great- 
ness. 

Solomon was so illustrious for his wisdom, 
that the Queen of Sheba came from a distant 
country' to see and converse with him. 

conspicuous, glorious. 

The retreat of ten thousand Greeks, under 
the command of Xenophon, from Babylon to 
the banks of the Euxine, a distance of sixteen 
hundred miles through an enemy's country, is 
one of the most illustrious events recorded in 
history. It happened 401 years before 
Christ. 
Im age, n. something made or ap- 
pearing in the likeness of another 
thing ; as the image of a king on 
a piece of money — a marble 
statue — a painting of a person on 
canvas — the image of a person in 
a mirror. 



IM1 



115 



IMP 



An idol which the heathen make to worship, 
is called an image because it represents the 
object of their worship. 

a picture of something in the mind 
is also called an image ; as,he saw 
the image of his deceased mother 
in his dream. 

Im ag' i na ry, (im aj i na ry,) a. fan- 
cied, supposed to be real when it 
is not so. 

He is a rich man, and his fears of coming 
to want are wholly imaginary. 

Im ag' ine, (im aj ine,) v. a. to pic- 
ture things in the mind as we have 
seen or felt them. 

A lad at sea, in his dreams, imagined him- 
self at home, and that he saw his father's 
house and every thing about it just as they 
used to be. 

to picture things in the mind as we 
have seen or felt them, and to put 
them together under new forms. 

Robert imagined, one day, how beautifully 
the trees in his father's orchard would look if 
they were all loaded with oranges instead of 
apples. 

to contrive. 

" Deceit is in the heart of them that ima- 
gine evil." 

Im blbe, v, a. to drink in, to receive 
in. 

The beautiful rose-bud imbibed the dew 
which fell upon it. 

He was early taught the truths of the Bible 
by a pious mother, and imbibed sound re- 
ligious principles from her lips. 

Im bue, v. a. to give a deep color to. 
— to cause the mind to imbibe. 

The teacher took great pains to imbue the 
minds of his scholars with a strict regard to 
truth. 

Im i tate, v. a. to do or make some- 
thing like another thing. 



It is surprising how well the mocking-bird 
will imitate the notes of other birds. 
Choose the best examples for imitation. 

Im mense, a. so extensive that it 
cannot be bounded. 

Space is immense ; go into it which way 
you will, you will never come to an end. 

exceedingly great. 

The distance from the earth to the sun is 
immense. 

Im rni nent, a. hanging over, as if 
about to fall on one ; threatening 
immediate evil. 

The boat had got into the rapids, and the 
men were in imminent danger of being carri- 
ed over the cataract. 

Im mor tal, a. never dying or end- 
ing. 

The soul of man is immortal. 

Im pair, v. a. to injure a thing by 
diminishing its worth, quantity, or 
strength. 

He read so long and so late by candle light, 
that his sight was, at length, quite impaired 
by it. 

A severe fit of sickness seemed for a time 
to impair his memory, but it was afterwards 
restored. 

Im part, v. a. to give a part or share 
of what one has to another. 

John the Baptist said to the people who 
sought his instruction ; " He that hath two 
coats, let him impart to him that hath none, 
and he that hath meat, let him do likewise." 

to communicate the knowledge of 
something. 

When deeply afflicted, he found much re- 
lief in imparting his sorrows to his friend. 

Im peach, v. a. to accuse a public of- 
ficer of misconduct or crime before 
those who have a right to try him. — 

A judge of one of the United States' courts W 

was impeached before the Senate of the 
United States, tried and acquitted. 



IMP 



116 



IMP 



to censure or call in question. 

He impeached the motive of his neighbor 
in giving some clothes to a poor man, by say- 
ing that it was done to get praise for doing it. 

Im pede, v. a, to make it difficult to 
go forward. 

The ship was much impeded in its course 
by the floating islands of ice. 

The habit which he formed when young of 
getting his lessons slightly, impeded his pro- 
gress in his studies for a long time. 

Im pel, v. a. to push or drive onward. 

The power of steam impelled the boat 
through the water. 

A strong desire to have a large navy for the 
defense of his kingdom, impelled Peter the 
Great, Emperor of Russia, to go in disguise 
to Holland and work there, for some time, as 
a ship carpenter. This happened in the year 
1698. 

Im pend, v. n. to hang over, to be 
near and threatening. 

A dark cloud impended over the mountain 
which we were ascending, but disappeared 
before we reached the summit. 

Our Saviour wept over Jerusalem when he 
. saw its impending destruction. 

Im pen e tra ble, a. not to be pierced. 

Achilles is represented by Homer as hav- 
ing a body which was impenetrable in all its 
parts excepting the heel, so that no weapon 
could injure him but in that place. 

not to be seen into or understood. 

Many things which God does, are impene- 
trable to our minds. 

Im pet u ous, a. rushing on with vio- 
lence. 

The gale was so impetuous that it rent the 
sails of the ship in pieces. 

Charles XII. king of Sweden had a very 
impetuous temper. He caused himself to be 
declared king at the age of fifteenj and bold- 
ly seizing the crown from the hands of the 
archbishop at his coronation, placed it upon 
his own head. This happened in the year 
1697. 



Im pi ous, a. very wicked, without 
reverence for God or religion. 

Some men are so impious as to laugh at 
the Bible and all sacred things. 

He was guilty of great impiety in uttering 
oaths so horrible. 

Im pli cate, v. a. to be concerned in, 
or connected with some wicked 
affair. 

He did not kill the man with his own hand ; 
but he was implicated in the murder, as he 
stood by and assisted the person who com- 
mitted it. 
Im plore, v. a. to beg with great 
earnestness for aid, relief, or par- 
don. 

Poor, blind Bartimeus implored Jesus to 
cause him to see ; and the Saviour said ; 
" Receive thy sight, thy faith hath saved 
thee." 
Im ply, v. a. to say or do that from 
which something may be inferred 
that is not distinctly expressed. 

His sending his son to the school the day 
that it was opened, implied that he meant to 
pay for his tuition although nothing was said 
on the subject: 

Im port, v. a. to bring things into one 
country from another. 

Tea is imported into the United States 
from China. 

to mean. 

He used a word so differently from what 
I had ever heard it used before, that I could 
not tell what it imported. 

Im port ant, a. affecting something 
else very much, either for good or 
evil. 

The great western canal is very important 
to the prosperity of the State of New York. 

If a mother would have her son learn to 
obey God, it is important that she should 
teach him to obey his parents. 



IMP 



117 



INC 



lm por tu ni tf, n. keeping on asking 
for something with great earnest- 
ness. 

Robert begged his father again and again 
to get him a book of maps to illustrate the 
geography of the Bible, and the father at length 
yielded to his importunity and bought him 
one. 

Im pose, v. a. to lay or put upon one ; 
as to impose a burden, to impose 
a duty T , to impose a tax, to impose 
a command. 

To impose upon a person is to deceive or 
cheat him. 

Im pos tor, n. one . who pretends to 
be what he is not, in order -to de- 
ceive people and gain some advan- 
tage. 

Mohammed claimed to be a prophet sent 
from God, when he had no right to call him- 
self so. He was a mere impostor. 

Im press, v. a. to make a mark or fig- 
ure on any thing by pressure. 

With his seal he impressed the first letters 
of his name on the soft wax. 

to act strongly upon the mind or 
feelings. 

The teacher read to his pupils an affecting 
account of the death of a little child, and 
they were much impressed by it. 

to fix deeply in the mind. 

The witness in court said, it was strongly 
impressed on his memory that, a certain thing 
happened on the 19th of April, because that 
was the day of the month when the battle of 
Lexington was fought, in the year 1775. 
Tm prove, v. a. to make better. 

The farmer improved his meadow very 
much by draining it. 

Although working at his trade industrioj^ly, 
he found time to improve his mind by reading, 
and conversing with intelligent persons. 

to make a good use of. 

He spent several years in Europe, and had 



the best opportunities for gaining knowledge, 
which he was careful to improve. 

v. n. to become better. 

I had not seen him foi^a long time, and was 
very glad to find him so much improved In 
health, in mind, and in manners. 

In, prefixed. to words, and sometimes 
changed into ig, il, im, and ir, often 
has the signification of not ; as in- 
attentive, that is, not attentive — il- 
legal, that is not legal. 

In cen di a ry, n. one who wickedly 
sets fire to a building. — ore who 
stirs up public quarrels. 

In cense, v. a. to kindle up angry 
feelings. 

Chosroes, a proud king of Persia, was 
greatly incensed against one of his generals 
for sending to hun the Roman embassadors to 
ask for peace. He imprisoned the embassa- 
dors^ and caused his general to be flayed 
alive. 

In ces sant, a. keeping on continually 
so long as it lasts. , 

' The river on which his mill stands is never 
dry ; it is an incessant stream during the 
whole year. 

In ci dent, n. something which hap- 
pens. 

One striking incident during the voyage 
was, that a large whale passed so near the 
ship that we had a full view of him. 

In cite, v. a. to stir up to action. 

Frank was incited to great diligence in his 
studies by the desire of pleasing his parents. 

In clem ent, a. not mild, rough, se- 
vere. 

The snow storm was so violent, and the 
weather so inclement, that the traveller was in 
great danger of perishing. 

In cllne, v. n. to lean towards, to turn 
from a direct line. 
It was easy to perceive thit the steeple of 



INC 



118 



IND 



the church was not perpendicular, but inclin- 
ed a little to the east. 

to be disposed towards something. 

Eliza was invited by her aunt to accom- 
pany her on a journey to the White Moun- 
tains, and was much inclined to go, but 
thought it best on the whole not to leave her 
studies. 

v. a. to cause to lean towards, or be 
disposed. 

It should be our ' earnest prayer to God, to 
incline our hearts to do his will. 

In cluie, v. a. to hold within, to con- 

TrM physician said that his bill included all 
the visits which he had made to the family up 
| to that time. 

In' come, (in cum,) n. the gain which 
comes in to a man from his labor, 
his business, or his property. 

His farm yields him an income of one thou- 
sand dollars a year. t 

In crease, v. n. to become more or 
greater, to grow ; as the cold in-, 
creases, the tree increases in size, 
the boy increases in strength, the 
man increases in knowledge. 

" If riches increase, set not your heart 
upon them." 

v. a. to make greater; as to increase 
one's property, to increase one's 
influence. 

In cul cate, v. a. to try to impress 
good instruction or advice on 
others by repeating it often and 
urgently. 

It is said, that the apostle John was in the 
habit of inculcating brotherly affection on his 
disciples, by frequently saying to them' when 
he met them ; " Little children, love one an- 
other." 

In cur, v. a. to become liable to, or 



expose one's self to some evil or 

danger. 

He incurred great danger by crossing on 
the ice which had been much weakened by. 
the warm weather. 

to bring some evil on one's self. 

By building a splendid house he very fool- 
ishly incurred a heavy debt, which it will 
take him a long time to pay. 

In del i ble, a. that cannot be blotted 
out or effaced. 

He behaved so well that he waft punished 
but once, and he will never forget it. It made 
an indelible impression on his memory. 

In del i cate, a. offending against 
decency, modesty, and good man- 
ners. 

Shun the company of any one who is indel- 
icate in his conversation or conduct. 

In de pen dent, a. free to do as one 
pleases without control from any 
one. 

God is independent of all other beings. He 
says; "My counsel shall stand, and I will 
do all my pleasure." 

not relying on others for direction. 

John Hampden, an illustrious English pat- 
riot, showed great firmness and independence 
of mind 'by refusing to pay a tax, the laying 
of which he thought illegal and dangerous to 
the liberties of his country. 

He is willing to hear the advice and opin 
ion of others, but after all makes up his mind 
and acts for himself. He is an independent 
man. 

not relying on others for support. 

He fancied himself independent of others 
because he was so rich, but when he was sick 
he soon found that he needed their services. 

In di cate, v. a. to point out some- 
thing which is not apparent, or 
which is yet to happen. 

The ripple and the foam on the distant 
wave indicate that there are rocks below. 






IND 



119 



INF 



The return of the wild geese, indicates the 
return of spring. 

His close attention to his studies, indicates 
that he will make an excellent scholar. 

In dlf fer ence, n. the taking no in- 
terest in a thing. 

A number of Indians who visited a museum 
looked round on the curiosities with entire 
indifference. 

the having no preference either way. 

Sarah said it was a matter of indif- 
ference to her whether she went or staid ; 
she would do just as her mother thought 
best. 

In di gent, a. very poor, destitute of 
the comforts of life. 

She was a noble-hearted young woman, and 
labored hard to help her young and indigent 
brother get an education. 

In dig na tion, n. great anger, with 
contempt and disgust. 

A band of counterfeiters offered an engra- 
ver a large sum of money if he would do 
some work for them ; but he rejected the offer 
with indignation. 

In dis pens a ble, a. not to be spared, 
that must be had or done. 

It is indispensable that the farmer who 
would do his work well, should have a supply 
of good tools. 

Air is indispensable to life. 

In dis pose, v. a. to make unwilling, 
or disinclined to. 

He lost a good situation, because he was 
indisposed to be confined by business. 

When a person is slightly unwell, we say 
he is indisposed. 

In di vid u al, n. one single person 
• or thing. 

Among the crowd who heard his defense, 
there was not an individual who did not re- 
gard him as innocent. 

In do lence, n. a strong dislike of 

labor whether of body or of mind. 

He had a large family and his property was 



fast wasting away, but his indolence was so 
great that he could not be roused to make any 
effort for their support. 

In duce, v. a. to lead or draw one on 
to do a thing. 

He was induced by what he heard of the 
rich and cheap lands at the West, to go there 
with his family. 

In dulge, v. a. not to check or con- 
trol, but to let a thing have its own 
way. 

He took no pains to govern his temper, but 
indulged it so much that, at length, it became 
very violent. 

Many a fine child has been spoiled by 
too great indulgence. 

to grant as a favor. 

The children had behaved so well during 
the week, that their father indulged them with 
a ride. 

In dus tri ous, a. constantly doing 
some kind of work. 

He who is industrious, temperate, and hon- 
est, is in a fair way of succeeding in his bu- 
siness. 

When Solomon, king of Israel, saw that 
Jeroboam, a young man, was industrious, he 
gave him a high office. 

In es ti ma ble, a. so valuable that it 
is above all price. 

■ To be born in a free and Christian land, is 
an inestimable blessing. 

In ev i ta ble, a. that which cannot 
be avoided, that must happen. 

Death is inevitable, and we should be pre- 
pared to meet it. 

In fa mous, a. publicly known as vile 
and detestable. 

Heliogabalus, a Roman emperor, who died 
in the year 222, was cruel, and guilty of 
shameful vices, and was one of the most in- 
famous wretches that ever lived. He was 
chosen emperor when he was fourteen years 
of age, and murdered by his soldiers when he 
was eighteen. 



INF 

shameful and abominable. 

Joan of Arc, sometimes called the maid of 
Orleans, a distinguished French heroine, was 
taken prisoner by the English, tried for 
witchcraft, and condemned to be burned to 
death. It was an infamous transaction. 

In fee tious. a. communicating dis- 
ease. 

The small pox is infectious, and is thought 
to be conveyed from one place to another in 
clothing. 
In fer, v. a. to conclude that one thing 
is true, because another is true. 

He has owed me a small sum for a long 
time, and I must infer, from his not paying 
me, that he has entirely forgotten it. 

In fe ri or, a. lower in place, station, 
merit, or value. 

The lieutenant in a military company is 
inferior in rank to the captain. 

The cloth which he bought proved to be of 
an inferior quality, and lasted but a short 
time. 

In fest, v. a. to continue to trouble or 
disturb greatly. 

The rats infested the house. 

The sea was infested with pirates. 

In fi del, n. one who does not believe 

the Bible to be the Word of God. 
In fi nite, ft. having no bounds. 

God is infinite in power and goodness. 

having no end. 

A straight line drawn from any point 
and forever extending, would be an infinite 
line. 

Things very large or great are sometimes 
called infinite ; as, " Is not thy wickedness 
great, and thine iniquities infinite ?" 

In flame, v. a. to kindle up, to excite 
greatly. 

One boy inflamed the anger of another by 
calling him a liar. 

Every conquest which Alexander made, 
only inflamed his ambition to make another. 

to cause great heat in the body 



120 INF 

" Wo unto them that rise up early in the 
morning, that they may follow strong drink ; 
that continue until night, till wine inflame 
them." 

In flict, v. a. to put or bring on one a 
punishment, or something that is 
evil. 

The old Romans used sometimes to inflict 
upon criminals the punishment of putting 
them to death by throwing them down from a 
steep rock in the city. 

In flu ence, n. that which, in an un- 
seen and silent manner, causes 
things to continue as they are, or 
causes changes in them. 

As we approach the fire in a cold day, we 
feel its influence warming us. 

The icicles on the trees melt away under 
the influence of a bright sun in winter. 

He was in great pain, but after taking the 
medicine soon felt its influence, and sunk into 
a quiet sleep. 

A wicked boy at school was in the habit of 
profane swearing, and, after some time, his 
example had such an influence 'over several 
other boys, that they began to be profane 
also. 

Wherever the Bible is read, and its truths 
felt and obeyed, its influence in making men 
happy, even in this world, is inestimable. 

We call one a person of influence, who can 
lead others to do very much as he pleases. 

In form, v. a. to tell, to make known. 

The newspapers inform us of what is go- 
ing on in the world. 

The latest information which I received 
from my friend was, that he was about to 
leave Paris for Rome. 

In fringe, v. a. to break, or act con- 
trary to, an agreement, law, or the 
rights of another. 

He promised to pay the farmer as soon as 
the wood was delivered, but infringed the 
contract by putting off the payment for sev 
eral months. 

In fuse, v. a. to pour into. 






ING 



121 



INL 



The bite of the rattle-snake infused so 
deadly a poison into his veins, that he died in 
a few hours. 

The general infused ardor into the minds 
of his soldiers, by telling them that they were 
fighting for their wives and children. 

In ge ni ous, a. skillful in contriving, 
or in making, what is new and cu- 
rious. 

He is an ingenious teacher. He has many 
original, striking, and interesting ways of giv- 
ing instruction to his pupils, and of gaining 
their attention. 

When quite a boy, he was very ingenious 
in constructing little mills, bridges, and such 
things. * 

showing that the author or maker of 
a thing is ingenious ; as an inge- 
nious argument, an ingenious ma- 
chine'. 

He has a good deal of ingenuity, but for 
want of perseverance fails of accomplishing 
any thing. 
In gen u ous, a. open-minded, frank, 
noble, willing to acknowledge 
faults, and ready to tell the 
truth. 

John's father praised him one morning for 
having weeded the garden so well ; but he 
was an ingenuous boy, and at once replied, 
that it was not he but his brother who had 
done it. 

In gra tiate, v. a. to endeavor to gain 
the good-will of another by doing 
something to please him. 

To get favor by honest means is right, but . 
to seek to ingratiate one's self with others by 
flattery, is despicable. 

In gre di ent, n. one of two or more 
things of a different kind, which 
are mixed together to make some- 
thing. 

Yeast is one of the necessary ingredients 
in making good bread. 



In hale, v. a. to draw into the lungs 
when breathing. 

• The invalid was much revived as he in 
haled the pure air of the pine grove through 
which he passed. 

In her it, v. a. to have a legal right 
to the property or title of one, 
when he dies. % 

A widower died leaving several children, 
who inherited his estate, each having an 
equal share. If he had lived in England, and 
been a duke or an earl, his eldest son would 
have inherited the title. 

to receive from parents, or ances- 
tors, by a law of nature. 

He died in early youth of the consumption, 
a disease which he inherited from his mother. 

to have the sure possession of. 

" The unrighteous shall not inherit the 
kingdom of God." 

In hu man, a. not humane, unfeeling, 
very cruel. 

It was inhuman in the inn-keeper to turn* 
the poor old man out of doors, on a cold win- 
ter's night, because he had not money enough 
to pay for a lodging. 

In Im i cal, a. having enmity towards 
another. 

There were two wicked boys so inimical to 
each other, chat they scarcely ever met with- 
out having a quarrel, 
adverse to. 

Keeping late hours is inimical to health. 

In lq ui ty, n. unrighteousness, wick- 
edness. 

" Fools, because of their iniquities, are af- 
j flicted." 

In land, a. not near the sea. 

Utica, in the State of New- York, is an in- 
land town. £ 

not foreign, carried on within a coun- 
try. 

An extensive inland trade is carried on 
by means of the great western canal. 



INS 



122 



INS 



In no cent, a. not doing any harm ; 
as an innocent play, an innocent 
medicine, an innocent lamb. 

free from blame or guilt. 

Pilate, wishing to appear guiltless when he 
condemned Christ, " took water, and washed 
his hands before the multitude, saying, I am 
innocent of the blood of this just person : see 
ye to it." W 

In sane, a. deprived of reason, de- 
ranged, crazy. 

The insane should be treated with great 
kindness. 

In scribe, v. a. to write or cut upon a 
thing. 

Many travellers have inscribed their names 
upon the pyramids of Egypt. 

When Paul was at Athens, he found an 
altar with this inscription, — " To the un- 
known God." 

In sens i ble, a. so small, or moving 

so slowly, as not to be perceived 

, by the sight, or any of the senses. 

The grass grows, but its growth is insensi- 
ble. You cannot see it growing. 

having no feeling. 

You do not feel pain when your hair is cut, 
for it is insensible. 

When the prisoner was sentenced to be 
hung, he did not seem to be at all affected by 
it. He was wholly insensible. 

He is hardened in wickedness, and insen- 
sible to reproof. 

In sert, v. a. to set in or among ; as 
to insert a graft into a branch of a 
tree, — a spoke into a wheel, — a 
name among other names on a 
list. 

In sig nif i cant, a. without meaning. 
— of no importance. 

What he says is so insignificant, that you 
need not mind it. 

- In sin u ate, v. a. to work one's self 



into the favor of another, by gen- 
tle, gradual, or artful means. 

Satan insinuated himself into the good 
opinion of Eve, by pretending to seek to do 
her good. 

to hint at a thing in an indirect man- 
ner. 

He did not dare to say openly that his 
neighbor was dishonest, but he insinuated 
as much by the questions which he put and 
his manner of asking them. 

In sist, v. n. for one to press a thing 
so earnestly, as to show that he is 
determined not to have it other- 
wise. 

He insisted upon the payment of the debt 
that very day, and said he would be put off no 
longer. 

to dwell much upon a thing in speak- 
ing or writing. 

In his lecture on common schools, he m 
sisted on the importance of having backs to 
the seats, and of making the scholars sit in 
an upright and healthful position. 

In so lent, a. treating others with 
proud contempt. 

The night was very dark and the roads bad, 
and the ladies in the stage-coach begged the 
driver not to go so furiously ; when he replied 
in an insolent manner, that he knew what he 
was about, and that if they would mind their 
own business he would mind his. 

In sol vent, a. not having property 

enough to pay all debts. 
In spect, v. a. to look on, or into, very 

carefully. 

The ancient Romans used to inspect the 
entrails of the beasts which were offered up 
in sacrifice, foolishly thinking that in this 
way they could learn what was to happen. 

The mother stood at the window, inspect- 
ing her children in the yard, to see how they 
behaved towards each other. 

In spire, v. a. to draw air into the 






INS 



123 



INT 



lun^s. — to breathe or infuse into 
the mind. 

He was very much disheartened, but the 
kind words and cheerful looks of his friend 
inspired hope in his breast. 
The Scriptures claim to be written by men 
w who were inspired by God to write them. 
In stance, n. urgent request. 

He felt unwilling to do it, but consented at 
last, at the instance of his friend. 

a case. 

The master told Robert's father that he had 
always conducted well in school, except in one 
instance, when he whispered contrary to the 
rules. 

One instance of falsehood, will cause a 
boy's word to be suspected for a great while 
afterwards. 

an example. 

His anger was so violent that he fell down 
dead ; a striking instance of the danger of 
giving way to passion. 

In still, v. a. to put into the mind 
gently and gradually. 

The ancient Romans took much pains to 
instill into the minds of the young a great re- 
spect for the aged. Their example is well 
worthy of imitation at the present day. 

In stinct, n. that disposition in man 
and other animals to do certain 
things, which is not the effect of 
education or experience, and which 
is always found to be the same in 
animals of the same kind. 

A hen had hatched some duck's eggs, and 
was very much alarmed when the young 
ducks, following their instinct, went into a 
pond to swim. 

Birds build their nests by instinct ; so that 
a little bird which has never wn a nest built, 
will make one exactly like those which birds 
of its own kind have always made. 

When something approaches our eyes sud- 
denly, we wink them instinctively. 

In sti tute, v* a. to appoint, form, or 



enact something which is intended 
to be permanent. 

God instituted the office of priests among 
the Jews, and ordered that its duties should 
be performed by Aaron' and his descendants. 

Lycurgus instituted a law among the Spar- 
tans which required that all the children 
should eat together at a public table. 

Marriage is one of the earliest institutions 
of which the Bible gives us any account. 

In stru ment al, a. helping to bring 
about something. 

He talked and acted much on the subject, 
■ and was very instrumental in causing a bet- 
ter jail to be built in the county in which he 
lived. 

In suit, v. a. to abuse in a gross and 
contemptuous manner. 

He will bear an insult with the best spirit, 
who is careful never to give one. 

In sure, v. a. to make sure of. 

His great fairness in dealing was one thing 
which insured his success. 

to make secure against damage or 
loss. 

His library was very valuable, and he got 
it insured every year against fire. 

In sur rec tion, n. a rising up of ma- 
ny people against the government. 

The insurrection was so extensive, that it 
was a long time before the troops succeeded 
in quelling it. 

In teg ri ty, n. the doing right in the 
whole of conduct, firmly and con- 
stantly. 

" The just man walketh in his integrity ; 
his children are blessed after him." 

During the revolutionary war, certain agents 
of the British government offered General 
Reed, who was President of the American 
Congress, ten»thousand guineas, if he would 
come over to their side. His reply was ; 
" Gentlemen, I am poor, very poor, but your 
king is not rich enough to buy me/' This is 
a noble instance of the integrity of a patriot. 



INT 



124 



INT 



In lei lect, n. the understanding ; the 
power of the mind to perceive, to 
think, to reason, to acquire and use 
knowledge. 

His intellect is good, but he has not much 
imagination, and very little feeling. 

Old age had much impaired his intellectual 
faculties, but his benevolent disposition and 
kind manners remained unaltered. 

In tel li gent, a. having intellect. 

Animals know, and can learn to do some 
things, but we do not call them intelligent be- 
ings, as we do men. 

able to understand things quickly. 

The rapid progress which he makes in his 
studies, shows that he has a very intelligent 
mind. 

We say of a man who is well informed on 
general subjects that he is an intelligent man, 
or a man of intelligence. 

In tel li gi ble, a. that can be under- 
stood. 

He told the children, if they would give 
him their attention, he would try to make the 
subject intelligible to them although it was a 
difficult one. 

The descriptions which travellers in the 
East give with regard to the manners and 
customs of the people, are throwing light up- 
on some obscure parts of the Bible, and ma- 
king them intelligible. 

In tend, v. a. to mean to say or do 
something. 

He was understood to say, that he did not 
like the physician who had come to settle in 
the place, but he declared that he intendedno 
such thing. 

A man walking over a field of grain with 
his friend, advised him to plough it and plant 
it with corn. He said, that was what he had 
already intended to do. 

An intention to do wrong is sinful, although 
a person may not be able to carry it into ef- 
fect. 

In ter cede, v. n. to try to make one 
who has been injured or offended 



by another, forgive him, or treat 
him with favor. 

Abraham interceded earnestly with God 
that He would not destroy Sodom. 

Edward III. king of England, when he had 
taken Calais, consented, at the intercession of 
his queen, to spare the lives of six of the cit- 
izens who had given themselves up to be put 
to death in the place of the rest of the inhab- 
w itants. 

In ter course, n. communication be- 
tween persons, by conversation, 
visits, letters, dealings, or trade. 

The Jews and Samaritans disliked each 
other so much, that the"re was no intercourse 
between them. 

The Christian religion has done more than 
almost any thing else to bring about a free 
_ and friendly intercourse between nations. 

In ter est, v. a. to affect the feelings. 

The missionary told the children about a 
little girl in the Sandwich Islands, who had 
been buried alive, when an infant, by its 
heathen mother, and dug up, before it was 
dead, by a young woman who was a Chris- 
tian. He said this little girl was now living, 
and had become a Christian also. The chil- | 
dren were much interested in the story. 

to have a share in a thing, either for 
one's benefit or loss. 

He is one of a company which is interest- 
ed in the new rail-road that is to be made. 

He thought it was for his interest to dis- 
solve partnership with the man with whom he 
had been in business. 

In ter fere, v. n. to take part in the 
concerns of others, to meddle with. 

Two small boys were quarrelling and had 
proceeded to blows, when a man passing by 
interfered and separated them. 

for one thi^ to clash with another, 
or be opposed to it. 

He said, he should be happy to attend the 
examination, but it would interfere with an 
engagement that he had made to attend 
some business at the same hour. 






INT. 

In ter mis sion, n. stopping doing 
something for a while, to begin 
again. 

There were two months of intermission 
between the summer and the winter school. 

In ter nal, a. inward, in the inside. 

He opened his watch, and let the little 
child see its internal movements. 

within a country, not foreign ; as in- 
ternal trade, internal improvements. 
In ter pose, v. a. to place between. 

He interposed a screen between himself 
and the fire to keep off the heat. 

The timely interposition of a friend saved 
him from ruining himself by making foolish 
bargains. 

v. n. to come between two parties 
that are at variance with each oth- 
er, and endeavor -to reconcile them. 

When there was some danger of a war be- 
tween the United States and France, the 
king of England interposed between them, so 
as to lead to an adjustment of their diffi- 
culties. 

In ter pret, v. a. to explain the mean- 
ing of something to those who do 
not understand it. 

A Spanish teacher came into court to in- 
terpret the testimony of one of his country- 
men, who could not speak English. 

The prophet Daniel interpreted the dream 
of Nebuchadnezzar. 

In ter ro gate, v. a. to examine one 
by putting questions to him ; as, 
the lawyer interrogated the wit- 
ness. 

In ter val, n. the space or time be- 
tween. 

It was a pleasant street ; the intervals be- 
tween the houses were filled up with beauti- 
ful gardens. 

The interval between the two shocks of the 
earthquake was about five minutes. 



125 



INT 



In ter vene, t;. n. to come between. 

A fertile valley intervened between the 
^ two barren mountains. 

In ter view, n. the mf eting together 
of persons for some purpose. 

I found him at home in the evening, and 
had a short interview with him concerning 
the conduct of his son. 

In' ti mate, (in' ti mate,) v. a. to hint 
at, to point out but not very plainly. 

His friends are much concerned about 
him, for he did not intimate to any one that 
he was about to leave the city. 
In ti mate, a. closely connected ; as, 
success in life has an intimate con- 
nection with good conduct in youth, 
very familiar with ; as one friend 
or acquaintance is intimate with 
another. 
In tri cate, a. entangled, confused ; 
so as to be difficult to be seen 
through, found out, or understood. 

The cave was large and dark, and so many 
intricate windings through it, that those who 
went in to explore it were in great danger of 
being lost. 

In trigue', (in treg,) n. a secret. plot, 
to be carried on by artifice, in which 
two or more persons are engaged. 

An honest man will always avoid intrigue. 

In tro duce, v. a. to bring, for the first 
time, to the acquaintance or notice 
of others. 

He had numerous letters from his friends 
which introduced him to families of the first 
respectability. 

to bring into use. 

Sir Walter Raleigh introduced the use of 
tobacco into England, about th#year 1585. 

to begin a speech, discourse, or book. 

He introduced his address by telling a short 
anecdote. 



INV 



126 



INV 



In trude, v. a. to thrust one's self 
upon others without invitation or 
welcome. 

He intruded himself upon the company 
without even an introduction, and much to 
their annoyance. 

He intruded his remarks upon the meeting, 
although he had no right to speak or to take 
a part in the business. 

[n trust, v. a. to put something under 
the care, or into the keeping of 
another, because we confide in 
him. 

When Charles Edward, otherwise called 
the Pretender, had invaded Scotland and been 
defeated, he was obliged to' conceal himself 
in order to preserve his life. Though a large 
reward was offered for his head, and many 
were intrusted with the secret of his conceal- 
ment, no one, not even his enemies, made it 
known. It showed both their compassion 
and honor. 

In un da fcion, n. the overflowing of 
waters. 

The inundation of the river, every spring, 
makes the meadows on its banks very fertile. 

In ure, v. a. to make one much used 
to a thing difficult to be done or 
endured. 

The father inured his son to iabor, by mak- 
ing him work when he was a boy. 

In vade, v. a. to enter with force upon 
the possessions or rights of others. 

It is a striking fact in the history of the 
Jews, that their country was never invaded 
when the men from all parts of it went up, 
three times a year, to the feasts at Jerusa- 
lem. 

to attack with violence. 

The greatest care will not always secure us 
against the Hkvasion of disease. 

In vent, v. a. to think out a new 
thing. 

James Metius, a native of Holland, is said 



to have invented the telescope about the 
year 1609. 

When a person makes up a false account 
of a thing, we say he has invented a false- 
hood. 

In vert, v. a. to turn upside down. 

I saw a beautiful flower in the garden un- 
der an inverted glass. 

to place things in an order contrary 
to what they were before ; as, 
abed inverted, will be d c b a. 

In ves ti gate, v. a. to examine into 
carefully and thoroughly. 

An agent of a factory was charged with 
dishonesty, and the owners appointed a com- 
mittee to investigate the matter. 

In vet e rate, a. long continued, so 
as to be very difficult to be changed 
or removed. 

His habit of idleness is so inveterate, that 
there is scarcely any hope that he will ever 
reform and become a useful man. 

In vin ci ble, a. that cannot be con- 
quered. 

When the Spaniards first invaded Mexico, 
the Mexicans thought them invincible. 

In vis i ble, a. that which cannot be 
seen. 

God is every where present, but he is in- 
visible. 

In voke, v. a. to call upon, or pray to, 
earnestly. 

The dying mother, after conversing affec- 
tionately with her children, invoked the bles- 
sing of God upon them. 

In volve, v. a. to cover on all sides. 

A§ the ship was approaching the coast, it 
was involved in so heavy a snow-storm that 
the captain thought it dangerous to pro- 
ceed. 

to imply. 

He did not positively engage to go, but 
what he said involved an intention to do so. 
to entangle. 






JEO 



127 



JUS 



He got involved in a law-suit, which lasted 
many years and cost him a great deal of 
money. 

Irk' some, (irk sum,) a. causing one 
to be uneasy and tired of, be- 
cause it continues so long, or is so 
often repeated. 

His memory is not very good, and I have 
heard him tell the same story so often that it 
has become quite irksome. 

I ron i cal, a. saying one thing and 
meaning another. 

The prophet Elijah intended to be ironical', 
when he said to the priests of Baal ; " Cry 
aloud : for he is a god ; either he is talking, or 
he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or per- 
adrenture he sleepeth, and must be awaked." 

Ir ri tate, v. a. to excite heat, or 
redness, in the skin or flesh, by 
rubbing. — to tease, to excite anger. 

James was much irritated by hearing some 
one speak ill of his father. 

J. 

Teal ous, a. very suspicious and 
fearful, lest another should deprive 
one of some good which he al- 
ready has, or keep him from getting 
some good which he desires. 

He was a very ambitious man, and anxious 
to get a certain office, which made him jealous 
of all others who he thought might wish also 
to obtain it. 

very anxious to defend the character 
or honor of. 

The prophet Elijah said, "I have been 
very jealous for the Lord God of Hosts." 

Jeer, v. n. to scoff at, to make a mock 

of. 
Jeop ard y, n. the being in great 

danger of some evil. 

When Christ and his disciples were passing 



over the sea of Tiberias, a sudden storm 
arose while he was asleep, and filled the 
vessel, so that they were in jeopardy of losing 
their lives. 

Jo cose, a. full of jesting and merri- 
ment. 

Jour nal, n. an account of what hap-* 
pens daily. 

He kept a journal of his voyage, and pub- 
lished it on his return. 

Joy' ous, a. full of joy. 

The children were joyous, and made the 
house ring with their sport. 

causing joy. 

Eliza's mother let her invite a number of 
little girls to visit her on her birth-day, and it 
was a joyous occasion. 

Judge, v. n. and a. to compare things, 
and thus to form an opinion or de- 
cision respecting them. 

Be free from bias and examine carefully, 
that you may judge wisely. 

" God shall bring every work va.% judgment, 
with every secret thing, whether it be good, 
or whether it be evil," 

Ju di' cious, (ju dish us,) a. judging 
and acting wisely, discreet. 

He was regarded by all the neighborhood 
as so judicious, that if they had any dispute 
they always went to him to settle it. 

June tion, n. the joining of two 
things together. 

By a rapid march he brought his troops be- 
tween the two armies, and prevented their 
junction. 
Just, a. exactly conformed to what is 
true, proper, and right. 

He related every thing as it happened. He 
gave a just account of the whole matter. 

He said he was afraid his discourse might 
be long, but. he would endeavor to confine it 
within just limits. 

He suffered a just punishment. 

"A false balance is abomination to the 
Lord : but a just weight is his delight." 



KIN 



128 



LAM 



upright, giving to every one his 
due. 

He is just in all his dealings, and shows 
that he would rather suffer wrong than do 
wrong. 

We say a man is brought to justice, when he 
- is punished as his crimes deserve. 
Just i fy, v. a. to show that a person 
is innocent who is charged with 
having done something wrong. 

He justified himself in entering the house, 
and taking possession of it, by proving that 
he had a perfect right to do so. 

<»o defend as being right. 

The boy complained to his father of having 
been punished at school ; but his father told 
him that he had done wrong, and justified the 
master. 

t) pardon and treat as innocent one 
who is guilty. 

" Being justified by faith, we have peace 
with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Ju ve nilei, a. belonging to youth. 

Many juvenile sports are the same now 
that they were hundreds of years ago. 

K. 

Keen, a. eager. 
His appetite was so keen, that it seemed 
as if he could not be satisfied. 

very sharp. 

The razor has a keen edge. 

piercing, severe. 

The traveller was poorly clad, and he suf- 
fered much from the keen wintry wind. 

Samuel received a keen reproof from his 
father, which he felt to be deserved. 

Kid nap, v. a. to steal and carry 
away a human being. 

Many poor Africans are kidnapped and 
sold as slaves. 

Km dred, n. relation by birth or mar- 
riage. 



The Jews, all over the world, claim kin- 
dred with each other, as the descendants of 
Abraham. 

relatives by birth or marriage. 

God said unto Abraham ; " Get thee out of 
thy country, and from thy kindred, and from 
thy father's house, unto a land that I will 
show thee." 

We say that persons and things are kin- 
dred to each other, when they are very much 
alike in nature or disposition. 

ifnave, n. a dishonest person. 

L. 

F ab y rinth, n. a place with many 

-^ intricate windings, so that it is 

^ery difficult to find the right way. 

There was an enormous labyrinth in Egypt, 
built of marble and partly underground, 
which contained no less than 3000 cham- 
bers. 
Lack, v. a. and n. to want, to be 
wanting in. 

" If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask 
of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and 
upbraideth not." 

" He that giveth to the poor, shall not 
lack." 

He is a very learned man, but he lacks 
common sense. 

La con ic, a. containing much mean- 
• ing in a few words. 

When Xerxes demanded of Leonidas, king 
of Sparta, that he should give up his arms, 
the laconic reply was ; " Come and take 
them." 

Lair, n. the place where a wild beast • 

sleeps. 
La i ty, n. the people taken together 

who are not clergymen. 

Each one of the laity, is called a lay- 
man. 

La ment, v. n. or a. to grieve aloud on 
account of some loss or suffering. 



LAS 



129 



LAV 



David lamented over the death of Saul and 
Jonathan, saying ; " The beauty of Israel is 
slain upon thy high places ; how are the 
mighty fallen !" 
to be sorry for. 

The father lamented, but too late, that he had 
not trained up his son in industrious habits. 

Land scape, n. that part of a country 
which can be seen at one view, or 
the picture of it. 

He climbed a high hill, and saw a beautiful 
landscape stretching before him. 

Lan guage, n. the making known 
one's thoughts or feelings to an- 
other by spoken or written words ; 
by the eye ; by expressions of the 
countenance, signs, and gestures, 
or in any other way. 

Lan guid, a. drooping, feeble, made 
weak by effort or disease. 

He had walked so far in a hot day, that 
when he reached home he was very languid 
and hardly able to sit up. _ . 

. He used to be very active, but since his 
sickness he shows much languor in all that 
he says and does. 

Lan' guish, (lang guish,) v. n. to be- 
come feeble, to droop. 

" Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; 
— the Lord will strengthen him upon the bed 
of languishing." 

. to pirie away under sorrow. 

Her grief was so violent, that she languish- 
ed and died in a few months. 

•Lapse, n. the gliding away, as of time, 
or of a stream of water. 

After the lapse of many years he returned 
home. 

a falling into some fault or mistake. 

The best men, if not on their guard, are 
nable to lapses in conversation and conduct. 

Las si tude, n. the being tired and 
feeble, the being languid. 
. 9 



La tent, a. hidden, that is not per- 
ceived. 

There was a latent meaning in the letter • j 

which none of those who read it discovered, 
excepting the one to whom it was directed. 

There is latent heat in water, which is giv- 
en out when it freezes. 

Lat i tude, n. the distance of any 
place on the globe, north or south 
from the equator, and measured on 
a meridian. 

breadth, room. 

Their play ground was a very small one, 
and the boys had not latitude enough in it for 
their sports. 

Laud a ble, a. deserving of commen- 
dation and praise. 
He worked on a farm, for wages, several 
years, that he might have the means of getting 
an education. His efforts were very laudable ; 
and, as might have been expected, he has be 
come a learned and useful man. 

La va, or la va, n. the melted matter 

which is thrown out from a volcano Q 
during its eruption, or the same mat- 
ter when it becomes cool and hard. 

In 1840 during an eruption of a volcano in 
one of the Sandwich Islands, a stream of 
lava, in some places a mile wide, and rolling 
on about 30 miles into the sea, gave out so 
brilliant a light that the finest print could be 
read at a distance of thirty miles. 

Lav ish, v. a. to bestow very freely. 

Her friends unwisely lavished many prais- 
es upon her on account of her quickness in 
learning, which made her very conceited. 

to sf>end more than is needful, to be 
wasteful of. 

Vitellius, a Roman emperor, who died about 
the year 70, was a great glutton, and lavished 
so much money upon his feasts, that it was 
said, if he had reigned long, the whole empire 
would not have furnished means sufficient to 
maintain his table. & 



LEG 



130 



LET 



Law, n. a rule of action ; a rule es- 
tablished by rightful authority, 
which points out what men are to 
be, or to do, and threatens punish- 
ment to the disobedient. 

The ten commandments which God gave 
from mount Sinai, are called the Moral Law. 

A good citizen is careful to obey^ all the 
laws of his country. 

the established and regular mode in 
which God acts upon matter and 
mind. 

It is one of the laws of light, that it always 
moves in straight lines. 

It is one of the laws of mind, that we re- 
collect those things best which affect us most 
deeply when they happen. 

Law less, a. breaking through all law. 

Even when a child he was so lawless, that 
he was a great annoyance to the whole neigh- 
, borhood. 

Lax, a. loose, not exact or strict. 

He does not take care to have his rules 
obeyed. He lets the children do too much as 
they have a mind to do. He is very lax in 
his government. 

League, n. a joining together for mu- 
tual benefit, and for some particular 
purpose. 

By artifice the Gibeonites persuaded Josh- 
ua to make a league with them, and to spare 
their lives. 

Lect ure, n. a discourse on some 
particular subject, usually to give 
instruction. 

His course of lectures on astronomyfvas 
very interesting and well attended. 

a formal reproof. 

The father gave his son a serious lecture 
for treating the man with whom he lived dis- 
respectfully. 

Leg a cy, n. something given to one 
4>y will. 



A man wrote his will, in which he gave the 
house in which he lived as a legacy to his 
wife, and the rest of his property to his 
children. 

Le gal, a. according to law, permitted 
by law. 

He whipped the boy very severely whom 
he found stealing his watermelons,— which 
he had not a legal right to do, although the 
boy deserved it. 

Leg' i ble, (lej i ble,) a. that may be 
read. 

The inscription on the monument, although 
much worn away by time, was still legible. 

Le' gion, (le jun,) n. abody of soldiers, 
a great number. 

At one time, a legion in the Roman army 
consisted of above five thousand men. 

Leg' is late, (lej is late,) v. a. to make 

laws. 
Leg' is la ture, (lej is la ture,) n. the 

body of men who make the laws 

of a country. 

The making of laws, is called legislation, 
and each person who is concerned in making 
them, a legislator. 

Lei' sure, (le zhur or lezh ur,) n. a 
being free from business. 

The farmer had got through with his har- 
vest, and had leisure to take a short journey 
with his family. 

Len i ty, n. gentleness, mildness, . 
mercy. 

The sailors were very sorry that they had 
disobeyed the captain, and although he pun- 
ished the ringleader severely, he treated the 
rest with great lenity. 

Less, annexed to a word, denotes not 
having ; as c\oudless 7 feaxless. 

Leth ar gy, n. a disease which pro- 
duces very great sleepiness. 

He was so much afflicted with a lethargy, 
that he sometimes fell asleep, even at dinner. 



LIB 



131 



When there is a great want of feeling on 
any subject, and it is difficult to excite an in- 
terest in it, we say there is a lethargy with 
regard to it. bJ 

Lev ee, n. an assembly to visit some 
distinguished person. 

Persons of all parties, and of all ages 
were at the levee, on new year's day at the 
President's house. 

A bank of earth, raised to prevent the 
overflowing of a river, is called a levee 

Lev i ty, n: lightness.— thoughtless 
ness, unsteadiness, triflino- o-ayety 

She laughed and talked a grea°t deal about 



LIM 



ti„-r,„o c"° "" , "" , " ;u tt S 1 ^ ueai aoout I hj m ,' mmD j;„ ( T — f" Wil w, ana discharged 

things of no consequence, and had so much t ~u lmmed ^tely. r S ea 

Kln?L mmd that k was im P° ss ^ to ii x Ll ° er ty, ». freedom from con W 

3r attention upon any serious subiert mor.fl . • . Uin c °nnne- 



lowance for his support erai ^ 

not selfish or narrow-minded, but 

Ss? enlarged and charitabie 

to ^ruTh, tlo^T *W f aChment 
those who dker^rtt in^iS t ° W "* 

Liberate, w . a . to set free. ' 

1 he jailer received an onW f™ m *u 



., ,-. ~,.. IVJ . „ llcl „ lk w as ijupossioie 
her attention upon any serious subject. 

Lev y, v. «. to collect money by a tax 
• or by force ; to collect soldiers for 
war. 

The enemy's fleet appeared before the city, 
which was not able to make any resistance 
of dolor's a Contnbutlonu P° n ^ of a million 
_ To levy war, is to make war upon a nation. 

^i a ble, a. bound by law to do some- 
thing. 

If a man indorses a note he is liable to pay 
it, it the person does not who gave it 

to be exposed or subject to some 
evil. 

errors 5S ourselv es so liable to commit 
errors, that we ought to be careful how we 
find fault with others 



ment or restraint, 
permission to do something 

come tn^ y iP Ve the P 00r stud&ent "berty to 
When a person, in what he says or does 

Li cense n. permission or authority 
granted to do something 

for H ! n aS P rose : c pted, and had to pay a fine 

Hcenss S SpintU ° US li( * Uors ^ifhout a 

Li cen tious, a. unrestrained bylaw 

wi f ri d nciple ; Ye *y corru P t and 

^EHk^i^^S^ I LI ^ \'^ ^hest end or border 

of a thing or place, beyond which 
it does not extend. 

sidI h w« it0f , t ] lep 1 layground on &* north 
side was an old oak and a rock, and on the 
south side, a little brook. 

Lirn i ta tion, n. placing limits to 

He gave the neighbors permission to draw 
water from his well at all times without Z 
mi atmn, excepting that they should not dJ 
it after ten o'clock in the evening. 



very great. 

Lib e ral, a. giving bountifully accord- 
ing to one's means. 

lib?rl S l ™T 6 7 aS n0t large ' but he ™ a 

i^T*&i more to the needy than 

" The liberal sou! shall be made fat " 

large, and showing a generous dispo 

sition. ^ 



LIT 



Lm ger, (ling gur,) v. n. to stay long- 
er in a place, or move slowly from 
it, because one does not like to go. 

A mother went to visit the grave of her 
little infant, and lingered at the spot as if she 
could not tear herself away from it. 

to remain long in any state. 

He lingered several months under a dis- 
tressing disease before he began to recover. 

Liq uid, n. that which is not solid, but 
has been melted, or flows ; as 
thawed ice, and melted lead or lava. 

List less, a. taking no interest in 
what is said or done, inattentive. 

During the whole lecture, he kept yawning 
and stretching himself, turning over the 
leaves of a book, and gazing round upon 
every body in the room. He was so listless, 
that he knew nothing of what was said. 

Lit e ral, a. according to the exact 
meaning of the words, not figurative. 

When we say the moon shines brightly, the 
meaning is literal. When we say the moon is 
the queen of night, the meaning is not literal, 
but figurative. 

exact, word for word. 

The scholar put some Latin sentences into 
English, giving the meaning of each Latin 
word by an English one. It was a literal 
translation, but not an elegant one. 

We say an account is literally true, when 
every thing is told exactly as it happened. 

Lit e ra ry, a. relating to literature, 
or learned men. 

He has retired from business, and given 
himself up entirely to literary pursuits. 

Lit e ra ture, n. the learning which 
is derived from an acquaintance 

* with the best works that are gener- 
ally studied or read. 

Though he was a blacksmith and worked at 
nis trade, he found so much time to devote to 
literature, that he learned to read in about 
fifty different languages. 



132 LOT 

Lit i ga tion, n. a law-suit, or conten- 
tion about something before a court 
- of justice. 

Be very slow to engage in litigation ; for it 
will not improve your temper, and may empty 
your purse. 

Loan, n. something which is lent, 
and which, or an equivalent, is to 
be returned ; as a loan of bread, 
or of a book, or of money. 

Lo cal, a. relating to a place. 

The local situation of his farm was advan- 
tageous, being within a few miles of a large 
city. 

limited to a particular place. 

The disease was local and confined to one 
part of the town ; all the rest of it remained 

healthy. 

Loft y, a. stretching high up in the 
air ; as a lofty mountain, the lofty 
flight of an eagle. 

elevated in thought, feeling, or condi- 
tion. 

The poetry of Milton is distinguished for 
its lofty conceptions. 

proud, haughty. 

" The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, 
and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed 
down." 

Lon gev i ty, n. great length of life. 

Temperance and peace of mind, with some 
regular employment, promote longevity. 

Lon gi tude, n. the distance of a 
place, east or west, from some 
other place, measured on the equa- 
tor or a parallel of latitude. 

Lo qua cious, a. talking a great deal. 

Loquacious persons are in danger of say- 
ing many foolish things^and of betraying se- 
crets. 

Lot, n. the condition in which a per- 
son is placed. 






LUD 



133 



LUX 



The lot of young children who have to work 
twelve or fourteen hours a day in factories, 
and do not go to school, is very severe ; and 
they are much to be pitied. 

fortune, chance. 

Although industrious and economical, it 
seemed to be his lot, from want of judgment 
in his business, always to be poor. 

To cast or draw lots, is to use something in 
such a way as to determine by chance, as we 
say, what is to be done, although the Provi- 
dence of God really causes the lot to fall out 
as it does. - 

The land of Canaan was divided among the 
twelve tribes of the Israelites by lot. 

a portion ; as a lot of goods. 
Loathe, v. a. to feel disgust, espe- 
cially in regard to food or drink. 

" The full soul loatheth a honey-comb ; but 
to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet." 

how ly, a. humble, having a modest 
opinion of one's self. 

Our Saviour says ; " Learn of me, for I 
am meek and lowly in heart." 

poor, low. 

The contrast between the splendid palace 
and the lowly cottages that were in its neigh- 
borhood, was very striking. 

Loy' al, a. faithful to a prince, to a 
lady, or to a lover. 

The subjects of Richard I. king of Eng- 
land, were very loyal to him, and, when re- 
turning from Palestine in disguise through 
Germany, he was imprisoned by the Empe- 
ror Henry VI., they paid a large sum to have 
him set at liberty. 

Lu cid, a. bright, clear. 

Although deranged for the most part of the 
time, he had some lucid intervals, during 
which he was in full possession of his rea- 
son. 
Lu di crous, a. causing laughter and 
merriment, without any feeling of 
contempt. 

Persons are sometimes placed, by accident, 
in a ludicrous situation, and we should be 



careful, on such occasions, not to say or do 

any thing to hurt their feelings. 

Lu mi nous, a. shining, giving out 
light. 

As a ship passes through the ocean in the 
night, it often leaves a luminous track on the 
water, for some distance behind it. 

Lu na tic, a. an insane person. 
Lure, n. something which allures. 

The bait put on a hook, is the lure by which 
a fish is caught. 

Lurk, v. n. to lie in a place, or move 
about it secretly, for the sake ,of 
doing evil. 

The thieves lurked in the woods near the 
village during the day, and at night broke into 
several houses and plundered them. 

Lus cious, a. sweet to a very great 
degree, and sometimes so much so 
as to cloy. 

We picked the fine, large, ripe grapes from 
the vines, and found them very luscious. 

Lust, v. n. to desire with great eager- 
ness. 

We are commanded not to lust after evil 
things, as did the Israelites of old in the wil- 
derness, who were slain for their sins. 

Lus tre, or luster, n. brightness, as of 
the sun. — renown ; as the lustre of 
a great and good character. 

Lux u riant, a. abundant in growth, 
plentiful. 

The luxuriant vine grew so rapidly, that it 
soon spread itself over the whole side of the 
house. 

The soil was very rich,«and yielded a luxu- 
riant crop. 

Lux u ry, n. too great indulgence in 
delicious food, in fine dress, or in 
a costly manner of living. 

The old Romans were very frugal ; their 
descendants were ruined by luxury. 
He who is luxurious is in great danger of 



MAG 

weakening his body, of impairing his mind, 
ana of wasting his esiate. 

Those nice and costly things which are used 
to gratify the appetite, and the desire for in- 
dulgence, are called luxuries. 



134 



MAI 



M. 



Ma 
i 



Tag a zine', (mag ga zeen,) n. a 
building in which arms, provis- 
ions,, and other things necessary for 
carrying on war, are deposited. — a 
pamphlet published at regular pe- 
riods, and containing pieces on a 
variety of subjects. 

Mag' is trate, (maj is trate,) n. a pub- 
lic officer who acts with authority 
in executing the laws, and in car- 
rying on the government ; as the 
President of the United States, the 
Governor of a State, a mayor, a 
sheriff, a justice of the peace, and 
the like. 

Mag na mm i ty, n. greatness and no- 
bleness of mind. 

When Aristides was sitting as a judge in a 
cause, one of the parties said that the other 
had spoken and done many things injurious to 
Aristides. " Do not talk about that," said he, 
" tell me only what harm he has done to thee ; 
it is thy cause I am judging." This was true 
magnanimity. 

Mag nan i mous, a. great and noble 
in mind. 

Saul was pursuing David, andwickedly at- 
tempting to take nis life, when the latter found 
him, one night, asleep in the camp, and forbade 
Abishai who wished to kill him, to do him the 
least injury. This showed that David was 
truly a magnanimous man. 

Mag nif i cent, a. grand in appear- 
ance, splendid. 



A clear winter's sky, with its hosts of 
shining stars, is a magnificent sight. 

Mag ni fy, v. a. to cause to appear 
larger. 

He wears spectacles which magnify objects. 

to make great. 

When Joshua led the Israelites safely 
across the Jordan on dry land, the Lord mag- 
nified him by this, in the sight of all the peo- 
ple, " and they feared him as they feared 
Moses, all the days of his life." 

to extol. 

The Psalmist says ; " O magnify the Lord 
with me, and let us exalt his name together." 

Mag nitude, n. bulk, size. 

The magnitude of the sun is one million of 
times greater than that of the earth. 

greatness, importance. 

He boasts too much, and is apt to speak of 
almost every thing that he does as an affair 
of great magnitude. 

Mail, n. a coat of steel network, worn 
anciently for defense. — a bag for 
carrying letters or papers. 
Main, a. chief, principal. 

The middle mast of a ship, is called the 
main-mast. 

Some timbers in the house were decayed, 

but the main part of the building was sound. 

He expected to accomplish several objects in 

visiting the city ; but his main object was, to 

examine a large library. 

Main tain, v. a. to keep a thing in its 
present state or condition. 

He was much confined by his business, and 
in order to maintain his health, he worked in 
his garden every morning. 

to defend and hold. 

Though the army was furiously attacked 
it maintained its position. 

to assert that a thing is so, and to 
hold to it. 

He maintained that what he said was true, 
notwithstanding it was clear to all present, 
that he was mistaken. 



MAN 



135 



MAN 



to furnish the means of living, as 
food, clothes, and other necessa- 
ries. 

His parents were old and pqpr, and he 
maintained them by his daily labor. 

Maj es ty, n. greatness, dignity ; — 
that in a person's appearance, man- 
ners, or condition, which causes 
others to regard him with rever- 
ence and awe. 

. " The Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly 
in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon' 
him such royal majesty as had not been on 
any king before him in Israel." 

a title applied to kings and queens ; 
as her majesty, the queen of Eng- 
land. 

Mai a dy, n. disease of body or mind. 

Ma lev o lent, a. disposed to do evil 
to others. 

He early showed a malevolent disposition, 
by inflicting pain upon animals, and loving to 
tease and provoke his companions. 

Mai ice, n. deep enmity, a strong de- 
sire to inflict evil upon others, even 
without cause. 

He was discharged from prison after hav- 
ing been confined ten years, and felt so much 
malice towards the witness who testified 
against him, that he set fire to his house, 
which was burned to the ground. 

Domitian, a Roman emperor, who died in 
the year 96, was so malicious that he put to 
death many of the most illustrious citizens 
of Rome, and looked with a ferocious pleas- 
ure upon their dying agonies. 

Ma lig nant, a. full of malice. — dan- 
gerous to life ; as a malignant 
fever. 

Man age, v. a. to carry on business. 

He is a carriage-maker, and manages his 
business with great skill and success 



to govern, to control. 

He was a headstrong boy, and it was with 
great difficulty that his mother could manage 
him. 

We say of a person who conducts aflairs 
of any kind with skill, economy, and success, 
that he is a good manager. 
. We say a person has used management, 
when he accomplishes a thing by some de- 
gree of art. 

Ma ni ac, n. a raving madman. 

Kindness in the treatment of maniacs is 
found to be the best way of controlling them. 

Man i fest, a. plain, open, easy to be 
seen or understood. 

He was drawing a map of Europe on the 
black board and placed the island of Great 
Britain so farjiorth of the coast of France, 
that the mistake was manifest to all the class. 

Man i fold, a. many, and of various 

kinds. 

" Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in 
wisdom hast thou made them all." 

Man ner, n. the w^ay in which a thing 
is done. 

John examined the machinery of the steam- 
boat a long while, to find out the manner in 
w r hich the wheels were made to move. 

custom. 

It was the manner of the apostle Paul to 
go into the synagogues of the Jews on the 
Sabbath, and reason with them out of the 
Scriptures. 

kind or sort. 

Our Saviour healed all manner of diseases. 

the peculiar way of a person's mov- 
ing and acting. . 

The manner of the teacher was so cold and 
distant, that the scholars were often afraid to 
speak to him. 

Man ners, n. behaviour, deportment. 

Strive to acquire good manners ; for it will 
much promote your own happiness and that 
of others. 

Man u al, a. done by the hand. 

There are two kinds of labor, one oUthe 



MAR 



136 



MAT 



head, and the other of the hand. The former 
is called mental labor, and the latter, manual. 
Both are necessary for the good of society. 

We call a small book that can be easily 
carried in the hand, a manual. 

Man u script, n. a book or paper 
which is written — not printed. 

In some of the libraries of Europe there 
are very ancient manuscripts of the Bible. 

Mar, v. a. to hurt, damage, or injure. 

One of the arms of the statue was broken 
off, which marred its beauty very much. 

Mar gin, n. border, brink, side Of a 
thing. 

As he read the book, which was his own, 
he wrote some notes with a pencil on the 
margin. 

Ma rine', (ma reen,) a.' belonging to 
the sea ; as marine shells, marine 
plants. 

Mar i time, a. relating to the sea. 

The management of a vessel, the carrying 
on of trade across the^ ocean, and the whole 
business of fighting in ships on the water, are. 
called maritime affairs. 

bordering, on the sea. 

Charleston in South Carolina is a mari- 
time town. 
Mar tial, a. warlike, brave. 

The ancient Romans were a very martial 
nation. 

suited or relating to war. 

The troops were reviewed by the com- 
mander in chief, and made a very martial ap- 
pearance. 

Mar tyr, n. one who suffers death 
rather than give up what he thinks 
is true. 

i Stephen was the first Christian martyr. 

Mar vel, v. n. to wonder, to be sur- 
prised. 

When Jesus calmed, with a word, the wi nds 
and the waves which were raging, his disci- 
ples marvelled, saying," what manner of man is 
tkis, that even the winds and the sea obey him." 



Mar vel lous, or mar vel ous, a. pro- 
ducing wonder or surprise. 

" God doeth great things and unsearchable : 
marvellous things without numbrr." 

so strange and very wonderful as to 
exceed belief. 

In his book of travels, he tells so many 
marvellous stories, that he does not gain 
credit even for what is strictly true. 

Mask, v. a. to hide under a false ap- 
pearance, in order to deceive. 

When Satan tempted Eve, he masked his 
design to lead her to disobey God, under the 
pretence of wishing to increase her happi- 
ness. 

Mas sa ere, n. the killing of one or 
more persons in a barbarous man- 
ner, without lawful authority, and 
contrary to the customs of war. 

After the battle, the victorious army killed 
all the prisoners whom they had taken. It 
was an inhuman and disgraceful massacre. 

Match, v. a. to equal. 

He was remarkable for running fast, and 
not a boy in the school could match him. 

to make one thing suit or correspond 
to another. 

He had a fine, large, noble horse, and found 
it difficult to match him. 

Ma te ri al, a. consisting of matter, 
not relating to the mind. 

That which we can see and touch is mate- 
rial. 

That which relates to the mind is imma- 
terial. 

very important. 

In copying the sentence, he left out one ma- 
terial word, which altered entirely the whole 
meaning. 

When we say, that it is not material 
whether a thing is done or not, we mean that 
it is of little consequence to have it done. 

Ma te ri al, n. that of which any thing 
is made. 



MAX 



137 MEL 



He purchased stone, brick, timber, and 
other materials for building his house. 

Ma ter rial, a. motherly, kind like a 
. mother. 

Though the orphan was only her adopted 
child, nsr feelings towards it were maternal, 
and she treated it as if it were her own. 

relating or belonging to a mother. 

No love is so strong and lasting, as mater- 
nal love. 
Mat ter, n. that which we can see, 
feel or touch, or divide into parts ; 
as wood, stone, flesh, bone, water, 
air, light, 
some affair or business. 

It was a thing of no consequence, and yet 
he treated it as a very serious matter. 
cause of some difficulty or evil ; as 

when we sav, what is the matter ? 
importance ; as when we say, it is 

no matter. 
Ma ture, a. ripe, fully grown. 

The peach-tree has borne an abundance of 
mature fruit this season. 

When a person has arrived at manhood, we 
say he is of mature age. 

Such was the maturity of his mind, that 
• when but a youth he seemed to have the judg- 
ment of a man. 

completed, ready to be done. 

The plan of the prisoners to escape, was 
well arranged and mature, and th^ey were only 
waiting for a dark and stormy night to put it 
into execution. 

Max im, n. an established principle, 
or general truth, to direct the con- 
duct of men. 

The Book of Proverbs is full of excellent 
maxims for the young, which they would do 
well to study and remember. This is one of 
them : " Wisdom is better than rubies ; and 
all the things that may be desired are not to 
be compared to it." 



Maze, n. a labyrinth. — confusion and 
perplexity of thought. 

He waked at midnight and found the house 
on fire, and the flames approaching his room. 
For a moment, he was in such a maze that he 
could make no effort to escape. 

Mea' ger, (me gur,) a. lean, wanting 
flesh, poor. 

The crew of the ship had scarcely any 
food for several weeks, and when they ar- 
rived in port had a very meagre appearance. 

The account of the meeting published in 
the paper was very meager, and contained 
but a small part of what was said and done. 

Med i tate, v. n. to think very atten- 
tively and seriously upon a thing. 

" I remember the days of old, I jpeditate on 
all thy works, I muse on the work ofThy hands." 

v. a. to plan out, to intend. 

He has been meditating a removal, and a 
considerable change in his business, for some 
time. 

Meek, a. gentle, mild, patient under 
trials and injuries, not easily pro- 
voked, ready to forgive. 

"^The meek will he guide in judgment, and 
the meek will he teach his way." 

Meet, a. fit, suitable, proper. 

" Bring forth fruits meet for repentance." 

Mel an chol y, n. a sad, depressed 
state of mind. 

Every thing appeared to him dismal and 
cheerless. His melancholy was so deep and 
settled, that his friends could say or do no- 
thing that would interest him. 
Me lo di ous, a. musical, agreeable 
to the ear ; as the melodious notes 
of a bird, a melodious voice, the 
melodious sounds of a flute. 
Mel o dy, n. a succession of sweet, 
pleasant sounds. 

She sang alone a simple hymn, and the 
melody was delightful. 



MER 



138 MER 



Mem ber, n. a part of the body which 
has some particular thing to do ; 
as the eye, the ear, the hand, the 
foot. 

a part of a sentence or discourse. 

It was a long sentence, and the principle 
members of it «vere distinguished from each 
other by semicolons. 

one of several or many which go to 
make up a whole. 

There were fifty young men belonging to 
the Lyceum of which he was a member. 

Mem oir, n. an account of things 
which have happened, written in 
a fanjiliar manner. 

Mem o *a ble, a. worthy to be re- 
membered. 

The discovery of the passage to the East- 
' Indies by the Cape of Good Hope, by Vas- 
quez de Gama, a Portuguese, November 20th, 
1497, is a memorable event. 

Me mo ri al, n. that which keeps 
another thing in remembrance. ' 

As the Israelites were crossing Jordan on 
dry grouiid, Joshua commanded twel^# men 
to take, each of them, a stone from the bed 
of the river, and place them on the west side, 
as a memorial of this wonderful event. 

Mem o ry, n. the power which the 
mind has of thinking, at the pres- 
ent time, about what is past. 

Pliny, a Roman writer, says that Cyrus, 
king of Persia, knew every soldier in his 
army by name, his memory was so strong. 

Men tal, a. relating to the mind. 

Mental labor is often more hard and fa- 
tiguing than bodily labor. 

Mer can tile, a. carrying on trade or- 
commerce. 

The inhabitants of ancient Tyre were a 
very mercantile people. 

relating to trade or commerce. 



He was brought up a farmer, and afterwards 
engaged in mercantile business. 

Mer ce na ry, n. one who hires him- 
self to serve another merely for 
the sake of the pay. r 

Many Swiss soldiers have been accustom- 
ed to engage as mercenaries, to fight for for- 
eign princes. 

A man who is ready to do little, mean, or 
wrong things for the sake of reward, is said 
to have a mercenary spirit. 

Mer cy, n. feeling kindly towards 
offenders, disposed to forgive them, 
and to treat them better than they 
deserve. 

" The mercy of the Lord is from everlast- 
ing to everlasting upon them that fear him." 

He was so young, that although found guil- 
ty he was recommended by the court to the 
mercy of the government, and obtained a 
pardon. 

kindness to the feeble and distressed. 

The good Samaritan showed mercy to the 
man who fell among thieves. 

favor shown to the undeserving. 

Jacob said, " I am not worthy of the least 
of all the mercies, and of all the truth which 
thou hast showed unto thy servant." 

Mere, a. one thing by itself, nothing 
more. 

He wrote a letter on his own business 
friend, and through mere forgetfulness did 
not pay the postage. He felt very sorry for 
it, and maie an apology in his next letter. 

Me rid i an, n. the circle supposed 
to be drawn in the heavens, from 
north to south, directly over any 
place, and which the sun crosses 
at noon. — mid-day, noon. 

Mer it, n. that which deserves praise, 
honor, or reward. 
There is no merit in having money which 



hing 

s to a 



MIG 



139 



MIN 



was left to one by another, but there is great 
merit in making a good use of it. 

He was an industrious, obedient and excel- 
lent scholar, and as a reward of his merit re- 
ceived the present of a valuable book. 

We sometimes say, that a guilty person 
merits punishment. 

Mer i to ri ous, a. deserving praise, 
honor, or reward. 

When you do any thing that is meritorious, 
boast not of it, nor praise yourself. 

Mes sage, n. some notice, word, or 
information, verbal or written, giv- 
en to one person to be delivered to 
another. 

The committee sent a message to the 
school-master, to let him know that they would 
visit his school the next day. 

In the United States, the President sends 
messages to Congress, and the Governors of 
States, to the Legislatures. 

Met a phor, n. a comparison made by 
a single word used figuratively ; 
as, he was a lion in battle ; — though 
much provoked, he curbed his an- 
ger. 

Meth od, n. such an arrangement as 
will enable us to think of, or do, 
things in the easiest and best man- 
ner. 

He had a great deal of business to attend 
to, and was obliged to divide his time accord- 
ing to an exact method, doing particular things 
at certain hours of the day. 

If you wish to be free from hurry and per- 
plexity, be methodical, 

the manner of doing a thing. 

The method of writing the Hebrew lan- 
guage, is from the right hand to the left. 

Me trop o lis, n. the chief city of a 
country or state. 
Paris is the metropolis of France. * 

lUlght, w. He had such might in his 



arm, that he could use, with great 
ease, a hammer which most men 
could scarcely raise from the 
ground. 

An elephant has great might in his 
trunk, and with it can tear up a 
tree of considerabft size by its 
roots. 

He was a man of very strong feel- 
ings, and whatever he attempted, 
he did with all his might. 

The mighty waves of the sea beat furiously 
against the high rock. 

Mil i ta ry, a. relating to war, or to 
soldiers. 

The country was threatened with an in- 
vasion, and they made great military prepa- 
rations in every part of it. 

Mm i a ture, n. a small picture or 
likeness of something, which is 
much less than that which it rep- 
resents. 

The little girl wore a beautiful miniature 
of her father around her neck. 

Mm is ter, n. one acting under anoth- 
er, to do something for him. 

Our Saviour says, " Whosoever will be 
great among you, let him be your minister ; 
whosoever will be chief among you, let him 
be your servant." 

one who is chosen by a king or prince 
to direct the affairs of the govern- 
ment. 

In England, the principal person who is 
thus chosen, is called the prime minister. 

a person sent by one government, as 
its representative, to another, to 
transact very important business. 

The foreign ministers who come to the 
United States usually reside at Washington. 

a clergyman. 



MIS 



140 



MIS 



He is an aged and worthy minister of the 
Gospel, and has preached to his people for 
more than half a century. 

Mm is ter, v. a. and n. to give sup- 
plies ; to serve. 

Mint, n. a place where money is 
coined by tjae authority of the gov- 
ernment. 

Mln ute, v. a. to set down a thing in 
writing in a few words. 

He wished to remember the advice which 
his mother gave him, and minuted down the 
principal parts of it. 

Mi nute, a. extremely small. 

There are living things in water so very 
minute that they cannot be seen without a 
powerful microscope. 

omitting nothing, but going into all 
the particulars ; as a minute ac- 
count of a thing, a minute inquiry. 

Mir a cle, n. a wonderful thing which 
is contrary to the known laws of 
nature, and which takes place by 
the special agency, assistance, or 
permission of God. 

When the sun stood still at the command 
of Joshua, it was a miracle. 

Our Saviour performed many miracles, as 
the turning of water into wine, the restoring 
of sight to the blind, and the raising of Laz- 
arus from the dead. 

The plagues which were inflicted upon 
the Egyptians were miraculous. 

Mis, prefixed to a word, denotes 
wrong or error ; as, misbehave, 
misle&d.. 

Mis eel la ne ous, a. made up of ma- 
ny different kinds of things. 

He has quite a miscellaneous library, con- 
sisting of books on agriculture, commerce, 
divinity and history, with a collection of po- 
etry, voyages and travels, and many newspa- 
pers and pamphlets. 



Mis er a ble, a. very unhappy. 

He was made miserable by the continued 
disobedience and misconduct of his only son. 
very poor or mean. 

Much of the misery of men is brought on 
them by their own folly. 

Before the missionaries went among the 
Hottentots, they lived in miserable mud huts, 
and were entirely ignorant of the true God. 
worthless. 

He has become a miserable vagabond by 
his vices, and despised by eveiy body, though 
his father was one of the most respectable 
men in the State. 

Mis for tune, n. ill fortune, any thing 
evil which happens to a person. 

He had been in the city only a day, when 
he had the misfortune to lose his pocket- 
book, and all the money which it contained. 

Mis sion, n. the sending or being sent 
to do some important thing. 

The object of Paul's mission to the Gen- 
tiles, was to preach the Gospel to them, and 
to convert them to the true God. 

His mission to France was to settle some' 
difficulties with that country. 

the persons sent to do some impor- 
tant thing. 

The Moravians sent a mission to Green- 
land many years ago, which, after much la- 
bor, succeeded in leading numbers of the in- 
habitants to become the followers of Christ. 

He went as a missionary to Ceylon, to in- 
•st.ruct the people in the Christian religion, 
and after remaining there twenty-five years, 
returned on a visit to his native country. 

Mis trust, v. a. not to have confi- 
dence in, to suspect. 

He had so often broken his word, that his 
customers mistrusted him when he promised 
to have his work done on a certain day. 

He was so bad a boy, that whenever any 
mischief was done, he was one of the first to 
be mistrusted. 

Mis un der stand ing, n. a mistaking 
of the meaning. 



MOD 



141 ' MON 



Difficulties often arise between perscis 
from the misunderstanding of what is said. 

an unfriendly disagreement between 
two or more persons. 

There had been such a misunderstanding 
between the two families for years, that they 
hardly spoke to each other. 

Mit i gate, v. a. to make less painful 
'or severe ; as to mitigate sorrow, 
to mitigate punishment, to mitigate 
evil or calamity. 

Mock, v. a. to imitate one in con- 
tempt or derision. 

Charles complained to his mother, that his 
brother was mocking every thing which he 
said or did. 

to laugh at, to make sport of. 

" Whoso mocketh the poor, reproacheth his 
Maker." 

to disappoint, to deceive. 

He was looking forward to a fine crop of 
grain, but his expectations were mocked by a 
furious tempest which levelled it all with the 
ground. 

Mode, n. the form in which a thing 
exists. 

Our mode of existence in this world, is to 
have a mind united to a body. The mode in 
which angels exist, is unknown to us. 

the way in which a thing is done. 

His mode of walking is so singular, that 
you fcan tell who he is at a great distance. 

custom. 

The modes of salutation among the people 
of the East, are very different from ours. 

Mod el, n. a representation in minia- 
ture of something made or done. 

He had a beautiful model of a frigate, which 
was complete in all its parts. 

a pattern after which something is to 
be made or done. 

He carried a model of the maehine which 
he wished to have made, to the man who was 
to make it. 



When we say that a person is a model A 
any particular excellence, we mean that his 
example in that respect is one of the best to 
be followed. * 

Mod e rate, a. keeping within proper 
bounds, not going to excess ; as 
moderate in eating, in amusements, 
in expenses. 

not great ; as a moderate breeze, 
moderate cold. 

not violent, calm and candid. 

He was a moderate man, and would not go 
all lengths with any party. 

not very good or very bad, of middle 
rate. 

He is a man of only moderate abilities, and 
has never distinguished himself. 

Mod ern, a. not ancient, belonging to 
the present time, or to times not 
long past. 

The French and English are called modern 
languages ; the Latin and Greek, ancient 
ones. 

Mod est, a. not bold or assuming in 
behavior ; feeling, speaking and 
acting in a delicate, pure, and 
proper manner. 

Mo lest, v. a. to trouble or vex. 

We found it difficult to get any sleep ; we. 
were so molested by the noise of the engine 
in the steamboat. 

He lived in a noisy street which caused 
him much molestation in attending to his stu- 
dies. 

Mo ment, n. the smallest portion of 
time. — importance or value. 

The choice which a young man makes of 
his business for life, is a thing of great mo- 
ment. 

He was a very correct merchant, and 
taught his clerks to consider the slightest mis- 
take in making out an account as momentous. 

Mon arcA, n. a king, or emperor, 



MOR 

who governs either with absolute 
power, or with power somewhat 
limited. 
Mo nop o lize, v. a. to get all of a 
thing to one's self. 

He bought up all the tea in the city, that he 
might monopolize the trade in it, and sell it 
at a great price. 

Mon ster, n. some living thing, either 
animal or vegetable, which is de- 
formed in its shape or parts, and 
is unlike other things of the same 
kind. 

The calf was a monster ; it had two heads. 

something horrible, or extremely 
mischievous and wicked. 

Caligula, a Roman emperor, was a mon- 
ster of iniquity. He wished that the whole 
Roman people had but one neck, that he might 
dispatch them at a single blow. 

The murder of a father is a monstrous 
crime. It was not known to be committed in 
Rome for five hundred years from the build- 
ing of the city. 

Mon u ment, n. something erected as 
a memorial of some person or 
event. 

Westminster Abbey, a celebrated building 
in London, is remarkable for the number of 
its splendid monuments in memory of very 
distinguished persons of the British nation. 

Mood, n. the peculiar condition of 
one's mind at a certain time, as it 
respects being happy or sad, kind 
or cross, angry or mild, and the like. 

He was quite cheerful yesterday, but to- 
day he seems to be in a melancholy mood. 

Moor, v. a. to fasten a ship in one 
place by cables and anchors. 

The storm was violent, and they moored 
the vessel within a safe harbor. 

Mor al } a. We call the conduct of 



142 



MOR 



men towards God, towards each 
other, and towards themselves, 
considered as right or wrong, moral 
conduct. 

We call man a moral being, because 
he is free to do right or wrong, and 
is accountable. 

We call a man, or his conduct, moral, 
when they are right as respects his 
duties towards men. 

We call that moral truth, and those 
moral precepts, which relate to 
what is right or wrong. 

We call that moral power, which af- 
fects the mind by example, argu- 
ment, evidence, or persuasion. 

Mor al, n. the truth respecting some- 
thing right or wrong which a fable, 
or a story, teaches. 

The moral of the jack -daw which dressed 
himself in stolen feathers, is, never to set 
ourselves up above our equals, nor to pretend 
to be what we are not. 

Mo rose, a. sour of temper, harsh in 
feeling and conduct. 

He never speaks pleasantly to his children. 
He treats them in a severe and rough manner. 
He does nothing to amuse or interest, them. 
They are always afraid of him, he is so mo- 
rose a man. 

Mor tal, a. that which must die. ♦ 

Philip, king of Macedon, ordered one of 
his attendants to cry aloud in his hearing, 
every morning ; " Remember, Philip, thou art 
mortal." 

causing death ; as a mortal poison, 

a mortal wound, 
relating to man ; as our mortal state, 

that is, our existence in this world. 
Mor ti fy, v. n. to become corrupt. 



MOV 



143 MUT 



His diseased limb mortified, and he soon 
died. 

v. a. to subdue sinful and improper 
desires. 

" If ye mortify the deeds of the body ye 
shall live." 

to humble one and make him feel 
ashamed or vexed. 

A mother was much mortified by the con- 
duct of her little daughter, who would not 
mind her and behaved very ill, when several 
of her friends were visiting her. 

Mo tive, n. that which leads or moves 
a person to do something. 

Frank studied his lessons very hard, and 
got them well, because he wished to please 
his mother. That was his motive for doing 
so. 

Mot to, n. a short sentence, placed, 
before or added to something, to 
show its meaning, or to what it re- 
lates. 

Constantine the Great, the first Roman em- 
peror who embraced Christianity, caused a 
standard to be made for his army in the shape 
of a cross, with a motto on it in Greek, which 
means in English, " By this conquer." He 
died in the year 387. 

Mourn, v. n. or a. to grieve and show 
it by some outward expression, 
either of the countenance, voice, 
dress, or manner. 

When it was told Nehemiah, who was an 
attendant in the palace of the Persian king, 
that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, 
and the gates thereof burned with fire, he sat 
down and wept, and mourned certain days, 
and fasted, and prayed before the God of 
heaven. 

Move, v. a. to cause a thing to change 
its place ; as, he has moved his 
goods to his new store. 

to affect the feelings, to stir up to ac- 
tion. 



The account of the distressed family moved 
her pity, and she went immediately to their 
relief. 

to propose or recommend something 
to be done. 

They had a long and warm debate in the 
Legislature, and one of the members moved 
that they should adjourn till the next day. 

v. n. to go from one place to an- 
other. 

Mul ti ply, v. a. or n. to increase in 
number. 

His engagements are so multiplied, that he 
finds it difficult to attend to them all. 

Mur mur, v. n. to make a low, contin- 
ued noise, like that of bees, or of 
water running gently in a brook.— 
to grumble, to utter discontent in 
a low voice. 

In their journey through the wilderness, the 
Israelites often murmured against Moses and 
Aaron, and were severely punished on that 
account. 

Muse, v. n. to think on something 
deeply, silently,, 'and attentively. 

He sat alone, on a winter's evening, look- 
ing steadily into the fire, and musing upon 
what had taken place in his childhood. 

Mii ta ble, a. changeable, not fixed, 
inconstant. 

All created things are more or less muta- 
ble ; God alone is unchangeable, " with 
whom is no variableness, neither shadow of 
turning." 

Mute, a. not speaking, or not having 
the power to speak. 

He was mute through fear, and could not 
utter a word. 

A deaf and dumb person is called a mute, 
or a deaf-mute. 

Mu ti late, v. a. to cut off, remove, or 
destroy some important part ; as 
to mutilate the body, by taking off 



NAT 



144 



NAV 



a limb, — to mutilate a book, by 
tearing out some leaves. 
Mu ti ny, n. a rising up against law- 
ful authority, by seamen or sol- 
diers. 

The captain of the ship was a brave man, 
and soon put down the mutiny which broke 
out among the sailors. 

Mu tu al, a. each of two, thinking, 
feeling or acting, in the same way, 
towards the other. 

Their condition, education, tastes, and 
habits were similar, and their attachment to 
each other was mutual and strong. 

Mys te ri ous, a. hidden, obscure, 
very difficult to be understood or 
explained. 

He was in prosperous business and pleas- 
ant circumstances, and suddenly left his fam- 
ily, and has not since been heard of. It is a 
very mysterious affair. 

In the Bible, God has shown us some of 
the mysteries of his government, which other- 
wise we never should have known. 

N. 
IVTar ra tion, n. the giving an ac- 
-^- count of something which has 
happened, or been done. 

The narration of his shipwreck which he 
gave to his family on his return from sea, 
was deeply affecting. 

Na tion, n. a body of people living 
under the same government, and 
distinct from others ; as the En- 
glish nation, the French nation. . 

Na tive, a. not artificial, produced by 
nature, born with one. 

When an infant, he showed that his na- 
tive disposition was very irritable. 

belonging, or relating, to the time or 
place of birth. 



• Bethlehem, in Judea, is the native place.of 
our Saviour ; and his nativity, or birth, is cel- 
ebrated by many Christians on the twenty- 
fifth of December. 

Nat u ral, a. not artificial ; not caus- 
ed by habit or outward circum- 
stances, but such as a being or 
thing is by its own life or growth. 

It is natural for all animals to eat and sleep. 
To desire to be happy, is natural to man. 

taking place according to fixed laws. 

His wealth was the natural consequence of 
his industry and economy. 

not forced or affected. 

His manner of delivering the address was 
very natural. 

Na ture, n. all the beings and things 
which God has made. 

The more we study nature, the more we 
shall see of the wisdom and power of God. 

that which causes a thing to be what 
it is, which we find in all things of 
the same kind, and which is given 
it by God. 

It is the nature of the sun to give out light 
and heat. 

It is the nature of some trees to bear ap- 
ples, and of others, to bear cherries. 

It is the nature of the beaver to live in, and 
about the water. 

It is the nature of the mind to gain strength 
by action. 

the fixed and uniform course of 
things, or of God's acting on mind 
and matter, is called nature. 

disposition. 

His nature was so generous, that he often 
gave to others when he could not afford to 
do it. 

kind or sort. 

The master thought that misconduct of 
such a nature ought to be severely punished. 

Na val, a. consisting of, or relating 
to, ships. 



NIC 



145 



NOT 



Columbus, from early life, gave great atten- 
tion to naval affairs. 

Nav i ga ble, a. that can be passed 
in ships or boats. 

The Connecticut river is navigable for ves- 
sels as far as Hartford. 

Nav i gate, v. a. to pass on water 

with ships or boats. — to direct the 

course of a vessel. 
Na vy, n. a company of ships of war. 

— all the armed vessels that belong 

to a nation. 

The navy of Great Britain is larger than 
that of any other in the world. 

Nec' es sa ry, (nes ses sa ry,) a. in- 
dispensable, that without which 
something else cannot be. 

• Food is necessary to life. 
that which must be, or which cannot 
be avoided. 

His failure in business was the necessary 
consequence of his imprudent bargains. 

There was a necessity of pulling down one 
very good building in order to stop the pro- 
gress of the fire. 

When a person is extremely poor, or in 
want, we say he is in great necessity. 

Neg a tive, n. saying No to something. 

A boy at a boarding school wrote a letter to 
his father, to see if he might be permitted to 
buy a watch. But he received an answer in 
the negative. 

denoting the absence of something. 

'Not to be hungry, is a negative good ; but 
to satisfy hunger, is a positive good. 

Neu tral, a. not giving any opinion, or 
taking any part on either side. 

Two boys had a dispute, and left it to their 
cousin to say who was light ; but he told 
them, he must be neutral, and would have 
nothing to do with it. 

Nice, a. soft, tender, dainty; as a 
piece of nice cake. 
r 10 



accurate, exact; as nice sewing, nice 
cabinet-work, a man of nice taste 
or judgment. 
Nig gard ly, a. stingy, and meanly 
avaricious. 
He broke an axe which he borrowed of his 
neighbor, and he was so niggardly that he 
was unwilling to get it mended. 

No ble, a. elevated, dignified. 

There was something so noble in the ap- 
pearance, manners, and conduct of Wash- 
ington, that no one ventured to approach him 
but with great respect. 

above all that is selfish or mean, lib- 
eral. 

He was a man of a noble disposition, al- 
ways ready to do good to others, and in such 
a way as to let them see that the pleasure of 
doing it was a sufficient reward to him. 

magnificent. 

The capital is a noble building. 

Those persons are called noble who have a 
high rank and certain titles, as dukes, earls, 
barons and the like. . All of this class in a 
country, taken together, are called the nobility, 
and each of them a nobleman. 

Noc tur nal, a. relating to the night, 

done in the night. 
Noi' some, a. hurtful, injurious to life 

or health. — disgusting, offensive. 
Nom i nal, a. only in name, not real. 
The nominal value of the bank-note was 
expressed by the number on it, that is five 
dollars ; but its real value was only four and 
a half dollars. 

Nom i nate, v. a. to name a person as 
a candidate for some office. 

Some time before the election, a meeting 
was held to nominate certain persons to be 
voted for as members of Congress. 

No tice, n. attending to something by 
the eye, the ear, or any of the 
other senses. 



NOV 



146 



NUT 



He is a very observing man, and takes no- 
tice of almost every thing winch passes 
around him. 

attending to something in the mind. 

I took notice of a mistake in his lecture. 

information given or received. 

A written notice was left at his house to 
attend a meeting of the committee in the eve- 
ning. 

respectful and kind attention. 

Though a stranger in the place, he was 
much gratified with the notice that was taken 
of him. 

No tion, n. a conception in the mind. 

The heathen have strange notions about 
their gods, that they eat, drink, sleep, and 
quarrel among themselves. 

opinion, sentiment. 

His notions on the subject of education are 
such, that he will not let any one teach his 
children but himself. 

We say a man is notional when he has 
strange fancies, and is whimsical. 

No to ri ous, a. publicly known, and 
usually on account of something 
bad. . 

Robespierre is notorious as one of the most 
bloody and cruel men who were engaged in 
the French revolution. He was put to death 
in the year 1794. 

Nour ish, v. a. to furnish food. 

" Joseph nourished his father, and his 
brethren, and all his father's household with 
bread," during the famine in the land of 
Egypt. 

to cause to grow ; as, the rain nour- 
ishes the plants. 
to train, to educate. 

Moses was taken, when a child, by the 
daughter of Pharaoh, who nourished him as 
her own son. 

Nov el, a. new, but lately known, 
unusual. 

The father took his children to see the as- 
cension of a balloon. They had never seen 



one before. It was to them a novel and very 
interesting sight. 

Nov ice, n. one who is just entering 
upon some business or profession ; 
one who is unskilled in it, or unac- 
quainted with it. 

He is on his first voyage, and is quite a no- 
vice in the duties of a sailor. 

Nox' ious, (nok shus,) a. hurtful, in- 
jurious to life Or health. 

In warm climates, they are troubled with 
many noxious insects and reptiles. 

Nth" sance, n. that which annoys by 
being offensive or noxious. 

They threw so many dead animals into the 
pond, that it became a great nuisance to the 
neighborhood. 

He was intemperate, profane, and a gam- 
bler, and a mere nuisance wherever he went, 

Null, a. having no force, not binding! 

A law was passed forbidding ships to sail 
out of the country for sixty days. When that 
time expired, the law was null, and ships 
could sail just as if it had not been made. 

If a boy should give a deed of his father's 
land, it would be a nullity. The man to 
whom it was given, could not hold the land. 

Nu me ral, a. relating to number, 
consisting of number. 

The numeral figures are 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 
8,9,0. 

Nur ture, n. food, nourishment. — tak- 
ing care of, training up and educa- 
ting young persons. 

Paul exhorts parents to bring up their chil- 
dren in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

Nu tri ment, n. that which supports 
life, and causes growth. 

His fever was so high, that he took no nu- 
triment for several days. 

Nu tri 7 tious, a. (nu trish us,) a. sup- 
porting life and causing growth. 

Bread and milk is very nutritious food for 
young children. 



OBL 



O. 



147 



OBS 



f^iath, n. a solemn appeal to God 
^that what one says is true. 

In taking an oath, it is always implied that 
the one who takes it calls upon God to inflict 
punishment upon him, if w*hat he says is not 
w true. 

6b du rate, a. hardened in wicked- 
ness, stubborn. 

He had become so obdurate in his course 
of crime, that nothing seemed to have any ef- 
fect upon him, but calling to his remembrance 
the religious instruction which his mother 
^ gave him, when a child. 

6b ject, n. that which we see, hear, 
smell, taste or touch, or about which 
the mind thinks or feels. 

The sun is the most glorious object of sight. 
An infant is the object of its mother's warm 
affection. 

that to which the mind is directed as 
a thing to be obtained or accom- 
plished. 

The great object which Pizarro and the 
Spaniards had in view, when they invaded 
Peru in the year 1531, was to get possession 
of the gold and silver with which that country 
abounded. 

Ob li ga tion, n. that which binds a 
person, — the reason why one ought 
to do some particular thing, or feel 
in some particular manner. 

A person may be under obligation to do a 
certain thing, because it is right in itself that 
he should do it ; or because he has promised 
to do it ; or because some law or custom re- 
quires it of him ; or because he has received 
. a favor from some one. 

We say that a person has conferred an obli- 
gation upon another, when he has done him 
some favor. 

O bilge, (or o blege,) v. a. to compel 
a person to do something. 



His limb was so badly wounded, that he 
was obliged to have it cut off. 

to put under obligation. 

He failed, and his creditors had discharged 
him from the payment of his debts. But he 
afterwards accumulated property, and felt 
himself obliged by a sense of duty, to pay all 
that he owed, with interest. 

Ob lit e rate, v. a. to blot out, rub out, 
scratch out, or erase. 

The piece of money had been so long in 
circulation, that the impression on it was quite 
obliterated. 

Ob nox'ious,(obnok shus,) a. exposed 
to some evil. 

He has committed a crime, and is obnox- 
ious to the punishment of the law. 

hateful, offensive. 

The general was so severe in his discipline, 
that he became obnoxious to the whole army. 

Ob scure, a, dark, dimly and indis- 
tinctly seen. 

There was so heavy a fog, that we could 
get but an obscure view of the lake at a dis- 
tance. 

not easily understood. 

Some passages in ancient writers are ob- 
scure, because we are not acquainted fully 
with the customs and manners of the times 
in which they lived. 

very little known. 

Though in moderate circumstances and an 
obscure condition, he was contented and 
happy. 

Ob serve, v. a. to look at attentively. 

He amused himself, by observing the bees, 
• as they were gathering honey from the flowers. 

to take notice of in the mind. 

In reading his late work, I observe that he 
contradicts himself several times. 

to express a thoujjbt, or an opinion, 
briefly. 

He observed to his friend, he was not sur- 
prised at being found fault with, for hf ha i 
long known that if a man would alwa /s d » 
right, he must not expect to please every bodj 



occ 



148 



OCC 



to keep religiously. 

The Jews were required by their law, to 
observe the feast of tabernacles seven days. 

The observance of the Sabbath is a great, 
blessing to man, even so far as his happiness 
in this -world is concerned. 
6b so lete, a. gone put of use ; as 
an obsolete custom, an obsolete 
word. 
6b sta cle, n. any thing which hin- 
ders. 

His weak eyes were a great obstacle to his 
progress in his studies. 

Ob struct, v. a. to block up, to put 
some hindrance in the way. 

The floating ice obstructed the passage of 
the ship up the river. 

Ob tain, v. a. to get something which 
one wishes for, or aims at. 

The Turks, under Mahomet II. obtained 
possession of Constantinople in the year 1453, 
and destroyed the Eastern Empire of the 
Romans. 

Ob tru sive, a. disposed to force one's 
self, or something else, upon others, 
undesired or uninvited. 

While several gentlemen were engaged in 
conversation, he was so obtrusive, although a 
stranger, as to interrupt it by remarks of his 

v own. 

6b vi ate, v. a. to meet and remove 
some difficulty or objection, or to 
prevent it by previous preparation. 

The bridge had fallen, and a ferry-boat was 
provided for crossing the river ; but finding 
it not sufficient, they procured two others to 
obviate the inconvenience of delay. 

6b vi ous, a. plain to be seen, easy 
to be understood.% 

He treated the man very civilly, but it was 
obvious to all that he did it only to obtain a 
favor from him, 

Oc ca' sion, (oc ca zhun,) n. the hap- 



pening of something with its at- 
tending circumstances. 

The wedding was a joyful occasion. 

a favorable time for doing something. 

He found the family in deep affliction, and 
he made use of the occasion to give them 
some kind religious counsel. 

indirect or accidental cause. 

The expectation of a war between Chinv 
and England, was the occasion of the rise in 
the price of tea. 

need. 

The merchant told the young man who ap- 
plied to him, that he had no occasion for th« 
services of another clerk. 

Oc ca' sion al, (oc ca zhun al,) a. not 
often, happening now and then. 

He is a hard, student, and his visits to his 
friends are only occasional. 

Oc cu pa.tion, n. the regular busi- 
ness which one follows. 

The occupation of a farmer is favorable to 
health, to happiness, and to independence. 

employment of any kind. 

His occupations were so numerous, that 
he neglected the instruction and government 
^ of his children. 

6c cu py, v. a. to hold, to keep pos- 
session of a thing for one's own 

use. 

He has occupied the same house for fifty 
years. 

to take up, cover over, or fill. 

The delivery of the discourse occupied one 
hour. 

to employ. 

He occupied all his spare time in improv- 
ing his mind. 

Oc cur, v. n. to happen. 

He -was very feeble, and his death occurred 
. in consequence of his taking a severe cold. 

to come before the mind. 

Strange thoughts occur to us in our dreams- 

to appear here and there. 



OFF 



149 



OPI 



He usually writes with great clearness, 
but some sentences occur in the book which 
w are very obscure. 

6c u lar, a. known by seeing it. 

He knew that his friend was there, for he 
had ocular proof of it, — he saw him. 

O di ous, a. hateful, very offensive. 

Tiberius, a Roman Emperor, during the 
first eight or nine years of his reign, appeared 
to be just and moderate, but afterwards be- 
came exceedingly odious by his cruelty and 
vices. He died in the year 37. 

O dor, n. a smell, fragrance. 

Of fend, v. n. to break some law. 

He offended against the rules of the school 
so often, that he was at last dismissed. 

v. a. to displease. 

Children in their plays should be careful 
not to do any thing to offend each other. 
Of fice, n. a place of trust to which 
one is appointed, by lawful autho- 
rity, to do public business. 

The judges of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, hold their office during good 
behavior. 

particular employment, business, or 
part to be performed. 

It belongs to the office of a sexton to ring 
the bell for public worship. 

It is the office of the eye, to see ; of the 
ear, to hear ; of the hand, to work. 

a voluntary act of kindness or un- 
kindness. 

We should always be ready to do good of- 
fices to the poor and needy. 

the place in which public and other 
business is done ; as the office of 
the Secretary of State, — a physi- 
cian's office. 

Of fi' cial, (of fish al,) a. relating to 
office. 

He never neglected his official duties, to 
attei*d to his own affairs. 

coming from proper authority. 



A communication from the general has 
been published, which can be relied upon as giv- 
ing a true account of the battle ; for it is official. 

Of fi' ciate, (of fish ate,) v. n. to do 
what belongs to an office or em- 
ployment. 

He officiated as chaplain on the occasion, 
offering up the prayers, and reading a portion 
of Scripture. 

Of fi' cious, (of fish us,) a. so for- 
ward and excessive in fondness as 
to be troublesome. 

He was so officious in continually asking 
those near him at table to what they would be 
helped, that it greatly annoyed them. 

He who is busy in meddling with what does 
^ not concern him, is said to be officious. 

Om i nous, a. showing that some- 
thing ill will happen. 

Some persons are so foolish as to think that 
certain things which happen, are ominous 
of evil ; as seeing the new moon, for the first 
time, over the left shoulder. 

Om nip o tent, a. having all power, 
almighty. 

Om ni pres ent, a. being in all places 
at the same time. 

Om nis' cient, (omnlsh ent,) a. know- 
ing all things. 

On set, n. rushing on with a violent 
attack. 

The foot-soldiers could not withstand the 
onset of the cavalry, but were thrown into 
confusion, and retreated. 

O paque, or o pake, a. dark, that can- 
not be seen through. 

The moon is an opaque body, and looks 
bright because it reflects the light of the sun. 

O pin' ion, (o pia yun,) n. what the 
mind thinks about something con- 
cerning which there is probable, 
but not certain evidence that it is 
true or false. 



ORA 



150 



ORD 



We do not know certainly, that any body 
lives in the moon, but in the opinion of many 
it is inhabited. 

what one thinks about persons or 
things. 

He said that, in his opinion, it was one of 
the best paintings he had ever seen. 

When we say that we have no opinion of a 
person, we mean that we do not think well of 
him. 

Op po neiu% n. one who opposes. 
Op por tu nity, n. a good or suitable 

time, occasion, or means for doing 

something. 

He was spending the winter in Cuba, and 
finding a friend about to return to the United 
States, he took that opportunity to send by 
him a present of oranges to his mother. 

Op pose, v. a. to do something in or- 
der to hinder, prevent, or defeat. 

He stood at the door and opposed the en- 
trance of any one into the house. 

Op press, v. a. to burden heavily ; to 
be severe, and require more of 
those under our power than is right. 

The Greeks were so much oppressed by the 
Turks, that they rose against them a few 
years ago, and set up a government of their 
own. 

to bear down, to cause to sink in 
strength or spirits. 

It was a summer's day, and the excessive 
heat oppressed us much. 

One trouble after another has overtaken 
him, and he is so much oppressed by them 
w that his health begins to fail. 

Op u lent, a. rich, owning a great 
many things. 

Or a cle, n. an answer supposed, in 
ancient times, to Tae given by some 
god to an inquiry concerning some- 
thing unknown. — the place where, 
and the being by whom, the answer 



was supposed to be given, was also 
called an oracle. 

The most celebrated of all the heathen ora- 
cles, was that of Apollo at Delphos in Greece. 

A man distinguished for giving very wise 
opinions or counsels, is sometimes called an 
_ oracle. 

ral, a. spoken, not written. 

The governor met both houses of the legis- 
lature, and made an oral communication to 
them. 

Or dain, v. a. to appoint or design for 
a certain purpose. 

God has ordained the sun to give light by 
day, and the moon by night. 

to choose or set apart for a particular 
office ; as to ordain a minister of 
the Gospel. , 

to decree, to establish. 

The government of a country ordains its 
w laws. 

Or der, n. a regular manner of pla 
cing and doing things. 

The order in which persons were to wall* 
in the procession, was published in the news 
papers the day before the celebration. 

proper condition. 

He took care to have his horse in fine ordei 
before he started on his long journey. 

the settled and usual way of doing 

things. 

The motion which the member of the legis 
lature made, was contrary to the rules of the 
house. It was out of order. 

command. 

The order of the physician was, that no 
person should be permitted to visit the sick 
man. 

class or rank ; as the different orders 

in society. 
Or di na ry, a. common, usual. 

The ordinary hour .of dinner in the place 
is one o'clock. 

plain, not handsome. 



OVE 



151 



PAC 



She is a woman of ordinary appearance. 

of little worth. 

He has been at school a long time, yet he 
can write only an ordinary composition. 

Or'gan ize,u. a. to form and put things 
together in a regular manner, so 
that all the • parts may act in har- 
mony. 

God has so organized man, that most of the 
motions of his body obey his will. 

The meeting was organized by choosing a 
chairman to keep order, and a secretary to 
write down what was done. 

Or i gin, n. the beginning or cause of 
a thing. 

Mankind derive their origin from Adam 
and Eve. 

The origin of the quarrel between the two 
friends, was a difference of opinion about a 
very trifling affair. 

O rig' i nal, (o rlj i nal, ) a. first, not 
copied, not known before. 

The composition was original. He wrote 
it himself, and no person had ever written one 
like it. 

Os ten ta tious, a. fond and vain of 
display. 

» She had studied some Latin, and was so 
ostentatious, that she often used words taken 
from that language, when English ones would 
have been far better. 

Men of real learning and talents, are not 
apt to be ostentatious. 

Out' law, n. one cut off from the 
benefit of the law, and the protec- 
tion of government. 

Out' rage, n. open and violent attack 
or abuse. 

They broke the windows of the church 
during public service, and were committed 
to prison for the outrage. 

The mob became outrageous, and attempted 
to pull down the house. 

O vei* bear ing, a. assuming, attempt- 



ing to control others in a haughty 
and insolent manner. 

His conduct was so overbearing that all 
present were quite disgusted with it, and 
treated him with the neglect which he de- 
served. 

O ver whelm, v. a. to cover over and 
crush with something violent and 
weighty. 

The waves ran so high that the boat was 
overwhelmed by them, and all who were in it 
were drowned. 

to bear down and crush the spirits. 

The Psalmist says ; " Fearfulness and 
trembling are come Upon me, and horror hath 
_ overwhelmed me." 

Owe, v. a. to be in debt, to have to 
pay money to another. 

After, paying all that he owes, he will have 
little or nothing left. 

to be under obligation to one for some 
favor. 

We constantly owe the deepest gratitude to 
God for his mercies. 

to have to ascribe one thing to an- 
other as its cause. 

He owes his success in business to his in- 
dustry ; that is, his industry is the cause of 
his success. 

We owe all our blessings to the goodness 
of God. 

P. 

T>a cif ic, a. tending to make peace, 
peaceful. 

His neighbors were quarrelling, and divi- 
ded into parties. He would not take sides 
with any, but pursued a pacific course, and 
endeavored to reconcile them to each other. 

Pac' i fy, (pas se fy,) v. a. to make 
one quiet, to calm. 

The child was crying, and the mother pa- 
cified it by singing to it a sweet song. 



PAM 



152 



PAR 



He pacified the anger of the man by kind 
words. 

Pa gan,w. a, heathen, a worshipper of 
false gods. 

Pal ace, n. a house in which an em- 
peror, king, or prince lives. — a ve- 
ry magnificent house. 

Pal a ta ble, a. agreeable to the taste. 

He was very thirsty, and the fresh orange 
was palatable to him. 

Pal li ate, v. a. to endeavor by ex- 
cuses to make that which is wrong 
appear less so. 

He forged a note, and his friends palliated 
his conduct by saying that he intended no 
harm, and that he paid the note before any 
injury took place. 

to make less, to ease. 

The medicine which he took palliated his 
pain, but did not entirely remove it. 

Paim, v. a. to cheat one by putting off 
something upon him as different 
from what it really is. 

The pedlar palmed the plated spoons upon 
the woman for silver ones, and got a great 
price for them. 

Pal pa ble, a. that may be felt, that 
may be easily perceived or under- 
stood. 

The falsehood was so palpable, that nobody 
was deceived by it. 

Pal try, a. mean, worthless, despi- 
cable. 

He wore a shabby, paltry dress. 
He made a paltry excuse for coming late, 
and bad better have made none. 

Pam per, v. a. to feed with dainty 
food ; to glut. 

The indulgent mother pampered her chil- 
dren so much as to injure their health, and 
make them dissatisfied with plain, wholesome 
fore. 



Pan ic, n. a sudden fright for which 
there is no cause. 

While the enemy was approaching, a panic 
seized the troops and they fled from the field. 

Pant, v. n. to beat as the heart does 
in a sudden fright, or after violent 
exercise ; to have the breast heave 
as one does when out of breath. — ■ 
to wish for earnestly. 

" As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, 
so panteth my soul after thee, O God." 

Par a ble, n. a short story in which, 
for the sake of moral instruction, 
one person or thing is made to 
represent another ; as the parable 
of the prodigal son, and of the 
rich man and Lazarus. 
Par a graph, n. a distinct part of a 
chapter, discourse, or book. 

Jt was a letter on business, but had a con- 
cluding paragraph respecting the duath of a 
friend. 

Par al lei, a. Lines are said to be 
parallel, which if extended ever so 
far either way will never rneet. 

Things are said to be parallel to each 
other, when there is a resemblance 
between them in many important 
respects. 

Par a phrase, n. explaining the mean- 
ing of a writer, in a clearer man- 
ner and often in more words. 

Par don, v. a. not to inflict the pun- 
ishment which a guilty person de- 
serves. 

The President has power to pardon those 
who have been convicted of breaking the 
laws of the United States. 

Pa rent al, a. relating to parents. 



PAR 



153 



PAR 



The conduct of the young man shows that 
in early life he was under good parental gov- 
ernment. 

kind and affectionate, as parents are 
to their children. 

The instructer watched over his pupils with 
parental care. 

Par ley, v. n. for two persons, or two 
parties, to talk together on some 
subject which concerns both. 

After the battle, the two generals parleyed 
together respecting an exchange of prisoners. 

Par li« ment, n. the legislature of 
Great Britain is called the parlia- 
ment. 

Par ri cide, n. one who murders a 
parent.— the murder of a parent. 

Par ry, v. a. to turn aside a blow. 

The man struck at him with a heavy cud- 
gel, but he parried it with his cane, so that 
it did not hit him. 
Par si mo ni ous, a. so excessively 
careful in using or spending mon- 
ey as to be mean. 

Though in good circumstances he was so 
parsimonious that he did not dress even de- 
cently. 

Par take, v. n. to have or take a part of. 

It is common among the Arabs to invite 
strangers to partake of their meals. 

Par tial, a. inclined to favor one per- 
son, or side, more than another. 

Jacob was partial to Joseph, and it led his 
brethren to hate him. 

inclined to favor without a good rea- 
son. 

The teacher was partial to his own chil- 
dren, and treated them better than the other 
scholars, although they behaved no better. 

relating to or affecting only a part, 
not including the whole. 

It was a partial eclipse, and only about 
half the moon was darkened. 



Par tic' i pate, (par tls i pate,) v. n. to 
have a share of in common with 

others. 

He is no true friend who is not ready to 
participate in your sorrows, as well as in 
your joys. 

Par ti cle, n. a very small part of a 
thing, any thing very small. 

He got a particle of dust in his eye which 
troubled him much. 

Par tic u lar, a. relating to a single 
person or thing. 

He took frequent walks into the country 
for the particular purpose of collecting min- 
erals. 

noting a single thing as distinct from 
others. 

He always puts his cane in a particular 
place in his study. 

attentive to single things, or to single 
parts of a thing. 

Be particular in your examination of the 
horse, and, if you like him in all respects, 
buy him for me. 

very nice and careful. 

He is very particular in his dress, and al- 
ways has his clothes cut after the same fash- 
ion. 

Par ty, n. a number of persons united, 
and acting together in opposition 
to others. 

The people of England have for a long 
time been divided into two great political 
parties, — whig and tory. 

one of two persons who go to law 
with each other. 

The party who sues is called the plaintiff, 
and the party sued, the defendant. 

a select company for some particular 
purpose. 

The sailing party was made up of three 
gentlemen and five ladies. 

one concerned in any affair. 



PAT 



154 



PAT 



John was accused of being a party to the 
mischief that was done, but he showed clear- 
ly that he was innocent. 

Pas sion, n. strong feeling or excite- 
ment of mind ; as anger, love, joy, 
grief, and the like. 

Govern your passions, or they will govern 

you. 

When we say that a man has a passion for 
a thing, we mean that he is extremely fond 
of it, or attached to it ; as, he has a passion for 
music. 

By the passion of our. Saviour, is meant his 
last sufferings. 

Pass port, n. a written permission to 
pass from one place to another. 

Pas time, n, amusement, sport. 

Pat ent, n. a writing made by author- 
ity, and granting to one or more 
persons an exclusive right. 

He has obtained a patent for making a par- 
ticular kind of plough ; so that any body else 
who should attempt to make and use it might 
be prosecuted. 

Pa ter nal, a. relating to a father, af- 
fectionate as a father is ; as the pa- 
ternal relation of a father to his 
children, the paternal government 
of a school. 

hereditary. 

He lives in the paternal mansion which his 
ancestors have inhabited for many genera- 
tions. 

Pa thet ic, a. moving the gentle and 
tender feelings. 

The music at the funeral was very pathetic, 
and most of the audience were in tears. 

Pa tient, a. quiet under suffering or 
toil, not fretting or murmuring 
against it. 

His sickness was long and severe, but he 
was so patient that he was not heard to utter 
a groan or complaint. 



bearing injuries calmly, and without 
revengeful feelings. 

" The patient in spirit, is better than the 
proud in spirit." 

Pa tri arch, n. father or head of a 
family or tribe. 

He lived to see his children, grand-children, 
and even great grand-children settled around 
him, and was a venerable patriarch in the 
midst of them. 

Pat ri mo ny, n. an estate received 
from a father, or any ancestor. 

He entered upon the possession of his pat- 
rimony, which was a large farm, when he 
was twenty-one years of age. 
Pa tri ot, or pat ri ot, n. one who ar- 
dently loves his country, and is > 
ready to make great sacrifices for it. 

Moses was a distinguished patriot; and 
when the Lord threatened to destroy the Is- 
raelites, and make of him and his family a 
greater nation than they, he earnestly be- 
sought the Lord not to do it. 

Pa trol, or pa troll, n. going round a 
camp or any other place, during the 
night, to see that all things are safe 
and the proper orders obeyed. 

The persons who go round, are also called 
a patrol. 
Pat'ron Ize, v. a. to encourage by aid- 
ing or favoring. 

He has patronized the institution for the 
blind, and made a large donation to it. 

Several of the most respectable citizens 
are patrons of the school, and send their chil- 
dren to it. 

Pat tern, n. something to be copied 
or imitated. 

Paul wrote to Titus to show himself a pat- 
tern of good works. 

a part of a thing shown, to let it be 
seen what the rest is. 

A brick-maker brought a brick with him. 



PEN 155 



PEN 



as a pattern of those which he could furnish 
to the man who was about building a house. 

Pau per, n. a poor person, usually 
one that is supported at the public 
expense. 

Pawn, v. a. to leave something with 
another, as security for money bor- 
rowed, or a promise made, to be 
his own if the money is not paid 
at a certain time, or if the promise 
is not fulfilled. 

, She was so poor that she had to pawn a 
valuable ring which her mother gave her, to 
get bread for her children. 

Plak, n. the pointed top of a hill or 
mountain. 

Peal, n. loud sounds following each 
other ; as a peal of thunder, of 
bells, or of cannon. 

Pe cul' iar, (pe cul yar,) a. belong- 
ing to one only, and not to others. 

His eldest son has a very peculiar expres- 
sion of countenance ; he looks like none of 
the rest of the family. 

singular, not common. 

There was something so peculiar in his 
manner of speaking, that they thought he 
must be deranged. 

. Pe cun' ia ry, (pe cim ya ry,) a. rela- 
ting to or consisting of money. 

A man ought to settle his accounts once a 
year, and see what is the condition of his 
pecuniary affairs. 

Ped ant, n. one who is vain of his 
learning, and loves to make a dis- 
play of it. 

The greatest pedants are often found among 
those who know the least. 

Men more easily bear^with one who is ig- 
norant, than with one who is pedantic. 

Pe nal, a. threatening punishment ; as 



a penal law. — exposing to punish- 
ment ; as a penal offence. 
Pen al ty, n. the punishment which 
the law threatens against offend- 
ers. 

He committed murder, and suffered the 
penalty of the law by being hung. 

what a person binds himself to for- 
feit, or to suffer, if he does not do 
as he promises. 

He engaged, under a pe^ftlty of five hun- 
dred dollars, to have the bridge finished by the 
first of November. 

Pen e trate, v. a. to pierce, or find its 
way into. 

He trod on a sharp thorn,' which penetra- 
ted the sole of his shoe and wounded his 
foot. 

The dampness penetrated the walls of the 
house. 

to enter, or go into. 

. They landed on the coast, but the inhabi- 
tants had so warlike an appearance, that they 
did not dare to penetrate the interior. 

to understand something which is 
very difficult. 

Prince Maurice, duke of Saxony, so care- 
fully concealed his design of attacking Charles 
V. emperor of Germany, that the latter did 
not penetrate it, and came very near being 
taken prisoner. This happened in the year 
1552. 

We call him a man of penetration who can 
understand very difficult things easily and 
well. • 

Pen i tent, a. truly sorry for having 
done wrong, and resolving to do 
so no more. 

The boy was so penitent for having done 
what his father forbade him to do, that he lay 
awake a great part of the night thinking of 
his fault ; and the next morning frankly con- 
fessed it and asked his father's forgiveness. 

Pen sion, n. something paid annually 



PER 



156 



PER 



co a person, or to some one else 
on his account, for his past ser- 
vices. 

He is an old soldier, and fought during the 
revolutionary war, and now draws a pension 
lrom the government of the United States. 

Pe nu ri ous, a. very saving in mon- 
ey, and sparing in spending it. 

He is so penurious that he grudges to buy 
the books which are necessary for his chil- 
dren at school. 

Per ceive, v.m. to take notice of, and 

know things by seeing, hearing, 

smelling, tasting, or feeling them. 

A sailor is able to perceive a ship at a 

great distance. 

50 see in the mind, to understand. 

It was some time before he perceived that 
the word had a different meaning from what 
He had been accustomed to give it. 

Per cep tion, n. the faculty, or act, of 
perceiving things by the senses ; 
as the perception of light, of fra- 
grance, or of a sound. 

idea. 

He had the clearest perceptions on the 
subject, and communicated them in the most 
forcible manner. 

Per cep ti ble, a. that which can be 
perceived. 

The brothers looked so much alike, that 
the difference between them was not percep- 
tible, except by their intimate acquaintance. 

Per feet, a. deficient in nothing ; so 
good or right, that nothing can be 
added to it, or taken from it to 
make it more so. 

The likeness is perfect, not a fault can be 
found with it. 

The perfect character of Christ, is one of 
the strongest proofs that those who wrote 
the account of it were inspired by God. 

Per form, v. a. to do, or go through 



with, what one undertakes or prom- 
ises to do. 

Samuel performed the task which was set 
him by three o'clock, and then went to play. 

He performed the promise which he made 
to his children of giving them presents on 
New-Year's day. 

Several of the scholars spoke pieces, and 
read compositions, at the examination, and 
it was thought that their performances were 
very good. 

Per il, n. very great danger. 

A sudden flaw of wind upset the sail-boat, 
and they were in peril of losing their lives. 

danger threatened. 

He pointed a gun at the man who was at- 
tempting to break into the house, and told 
him not to enter at his peril. 

Pe ri od, n. the time in which any 
thing is performed, or brought to 
a close, so as to begin again in 
the same manner. 

The period of the moon's revolution round 
the earth is twenty-seven days and a half. 

any definite portion of time ; as a 
period of two hours, of five days, 
of eight months, of fifty years. 

the time during which a thing con- 
tinues. 

He has been sick and confined to the house 
for a long period. 

the end or conclusion. 

His sudden death put a period to all the high 
expectations of his friends concerning him. 

A certain number of words so arranged as 
to make complete sense, and at the end of 
which is a full stop, is called a period. The 
full stop itself, is also called a period. 

Pe ri 6d i cal, a. performed or brought 
to a close within a certain time, 
so as to begin again in the same 
manner. 

The planet Mercury completes its period- 
ical revolution round the sun in three months. 



PER 



157 



PER 



happening, or done, at times which 
follow each other with equal por- 
tions of time between them. 

He made a periodical visit to his mother on 
her birth-day, as long as she lived. 

Per ma nent, a. continuing without 
end or change. 

The laws of God are permanent. 

lasting long, fixed. 

He had often removed from one place to 
another, but at length made his permanent 
residence in Philadelphia. 

Per ni' cious, (per nish us,) a. caus- 
ing great injury, destructive. 

The late frost, it is feared, will be perni- 
cious to the fruit. 

The young should use great care in the 
choice of the books which they read, for there 
are not a few which are very pernicious to 
good morals. 

Per pet u al, a. never ceasing, with- 
out end. 

The body dies, but the existence of the 
soul will be perpetual. 

going on without interruption. 

At all seasons, even in the driest, the 
spring never failed to give an abundant 
supply of water. A perpetual stream ran 
from it. 

Per plex, v. a. to entangle, to put in 
such a state that the mind is em- 
barrassed, and at a loss what to 
think flr do. 

The traveller came to a point in the road, 
where it branched off into two other roads 
running nearly in the same direction, and he 
was perplexed to know which to take. 

Per se cute, v. a. to pursue and in- 
flict repeated injury upon a person, 
maliciously and unjustifiably. 

He had an old grudge against his neighbor, 
and persecuted him by continually circulating 
false reports about his character. 



to inflict pain or punishment upon a 
person on account of his religious 
belief. 

"Blessed are ye. when men shall revile 
you, and persecute you, and say all manner 
of evil against you falsely, for my sake." 

to vex by importunity. 

In some of the cities of Europe, strangers 
are persecuted in the streets by the clamor- 
ous requests of the beggars for charity. 

Per se ve ranee, n. going on firmly 
and steadily with what one has 
begun. 

Tamerlane, a distinguished Tartar prince, 
after, being defeated by his enemies, saw an 
ant try sixty-nine times, without success, to 
carry a kernel of grain up a high wall. The 
seventieth time it succeeded, and this exam- 
ple of the ant excited Tamerlane to new per- 
severance. 

Per sist, v. n. to keep on, with a fix- 
ed determination, in what one has 
t^gun. 

Daniel was disobedient, and persisted in 
flying his kite in the street, although his moth- 
er had repeatedly forbidden him to do so. 

Per suade, v. a. to induce one, by ar- 
gument or motives, without the use 
of fear or force; to think or act in 
a particular manner. 

The deranged man reasoned so well, that 
he persuaded the keeper to let him walk in 
the yard, and soon after made his escape. 

The evidence of his innocence is so clear, 
that I am fully persuaded of the truth of it. 

Pe ru sal, n. reading any thing. 
Per vade, v. a. to pass through, or 
into all parts of a thing. 

The rose had a delicious fragrance which 
pervaded the room. 

At his death, deep sorrow pervaded the 
whole city. 

Per verse, a. strongly disposed to 
what is wrong, and obstinate in it. 



PIE 

The Jews of old were a very perverse peo- 
ple; they were continually turning aside 
from the service of the true God to the wor- 
ship of idols. 

Per vert, v. a. to make wrong, or to 
make a wrong use of, by turning 
from what is true, right and 
proper. 

A merchant perverted the Sabbath by 
spending the day in making out his accounts. 

The sons of Samuel, the prophet, did not 
follow his good example, but through love of 
money took bribes, and did not judge justly. 
They perverted judgment. 

A wicked man took much pains to pervert 
a young man who was often in his company, 
and at length made him as corrupt as him- 
self. 

Pe ti' tion, (pe tish un,) n. asking 
earnestly for something which one 
wants. 

The class wrote and signed a petition to 
the master, that he would once a month, on 
Saturday afternoon, go out with them intothe 
fields and collect minerals. 

Phi Ian thro pist, n. one who loves all 
men, and strives to do them good. 

Phi 16s o pher, n. a person of great 
knowledge, and who understands 
well the reasons of things. 

Benjamin was so studious, and thoughtful, 
and so often inquired about the causes of 
things, that they called him "the little phi- 
losopher." 

Phys i cal, a. not relating to mind, re- 
lating to matter. 

His mind was feeble, but he had great 
physical strength ; he could do as much 
work in a day as any man. 

The state has but a small army and navy. 
It has little physical force. But its schools, 
colleges, benevolent and religions institutions, 
and wise and able men, give it great moral 
power. 

Pi e ty, n. love and reverence to- 



158 



PIT 



wards God, with obedience to his 
will. — this word is sometimes used 
to denote the love, reverence, and 
obedience which a dutiful child 
shows towards his father or mother. 
Pil grim, n. a traveller, especially one 
who travels on some religious ac- 
count. 

Thousands of pilgrims visit the tomb of 
Mohammed at Mecca every year. 

Pil lage, v. a. to search after, and 
carry things away, wrongfully, — 
usually with violence, and by a 
number of persons. 

The enemy's troops entered the town, and 
pillaged the houses of all the valuable articles 
they could find. 

Pi lot, n. one whose .business it is to 

steer a ship ; a guide. 
Pine, v. n. to waste away by degrees 

from anxiety, sorrow, or longing 

greatly for something. 

They had lived happily together for more 
than fifty years, and when his wife died he 
pined away so rapidly that he soon^follo%red 
her to the grave. 

When he first went away to school, he 
pined so much 'to go home that he lost his 
appetite, and became quite sick. 

Pi rate, n. one who commits robbery 
on the seas. — the vessel yi which 
pirates sail. — 

One who steals, and uses as his own, what 
others have written or published, is some- 
times called a pirate. 

Pit i ful, a. feeling tenderly and 
kindly towards those who are suf- 
fering, with a desire to relieve 
them. 

" The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender 
mercy." 



PLE 



159 



PLY 



" He that hath pity on the poor, lendeth to 
the Lord." 

moving compassion. 

The little beggar girl told so pitiful and true a 
story, that she received aid wherever she went. 

contemptible, mean. 

He made use of a pitiful trick to get above 
another scholar in the class, by whispering in his 
ear and giving him a wrong spelling of a word. 

Plague, n. any thing which troubles 
or vexes one. 

He never was fond of little children ; they 
seem always to be a plague to him. 

The evils which God inflicted upon Pharaoh, 
and the Egyptians, were called plagves. 

a violent and fatal disease which is 
common in the east. 

Plain, a. smooth, flat ; as plain ground. 
— not having ornament ; as a plain 
dress.— without disguise or reserve. 

He told the plain truth, although he saw 
that it would give offense. 

easy to be seen or understood. 

He gave me very plain directions, and I 
found the house without any difficulty. 
Plan, n. a drawing or representation, 
as of a harbor, a city, a building, 
and the like, 
the marking out and arranging how a 
thing is to be made or done. 

He drew several plans for the new church, 
and laid them before the building committee. 

The teacher gave his scholars a plan for 
studying history, in which he put down the 
different books to be read, and the order m 
which he wished to have them read. 

Plau si ble, a. appearing to be true 
or right. 

He told a very plausible story to account 
for his absence, but on a clo*se examination it 

^ roved to be false. 
ead, v. n. to use arguments or en- 
treaties, in favor of or against. • 



When he was carried off as a prisoner by 
the Indians, he pleaded hard with them for 
his life. 
v. a. to offer as an apology or excuse. 

Every one is supposed to know what the 
laws of his country are, and no offender is 
allowed to escape punishment by pleading 
that he is ignorant of them. 

Pledge, n. a pawn ; — any thing given 
or regarded as security for the per- 
formance of something which is to 
be done. 

His character for integrity was so well known, 
that his word was considered a sufficient 
pledge that he would do what he promised. 

PlI a ble, a. easy to be bent ; as the 

tender branch of a willow-tree, 
easy to be influenced or persuaded. 

He is a lovely youth, but has so pliable a 
disposition that he is in great danger of being 
led astray by evil companions. 

Plight, n. condition. 

She had on a new dress, and was overtaken 
by a violent storm, so that when she reached 
home she was in a sad plight. 

The animals on his farm are well taken 
care of, and in good plight. 

Plot, n. a secret design or plan to do 
some wicked thing. 

Absalom and his friends formed a plot to 
dethrone his father David, which was not 
successful, 

Plun der, v. a. to take and carry 
things away wrongfully, and usual- 
ly with violence. 

In Spain there are bands of robbers who 
often plunder travellers of their money and 
other valuable articles. 

While the family were absent from the 
city, the thieves broke into the house and 
plundered it. 

Ply, v. a. to lay out strength, or work 
upon, with continued effort. 

She was a poor woman, and was obliged to 



POP 



160 



POS 



ply her needle from morning till night, in 
order to support'her family. 

to press upon with importunity. 

The daughter plied her mother with con- 
tinued entreaties and arguments, to let her 
study French in the same class with several 
of her companions. 

Pol i tic, a. using means which are 
well fitted to produce some end. 

He was very politic in calling first upon 
the person who he thought might oppose his 
plan, and persuading him to approve it. 

Po lit i cal, a. relating to the govern- 
ment of a country and its affairs. 

He was a long time in office, and his politi- 
cal conduct was such that even those of the 
opposite party could not find fault with it. 

Pol i ti' cian, (pol i tish an,) n. one 
well skilled in the art of governing 
a country. 

In the United States almost every one 
trunks he is a politician. 
Pol lute, v. a. to corrupt. 

He was a vile wretch and polluted the 
morals of many of his young companions. 

£0 injure a thing by mixing something 
bad with it. 

A mischievous boy poured some ink into 
the pail of water which was brought into the 
school, and polluted it. 

Pomp, n. a show of what is grand and 
splendid. 

When a king is crowned, the nobles, and 
persons of high distinction, assemble on the 
occasion, which is one of great pomp. 

Pon der, v. a. to think deliberately 
and seriously on some important 
thing. 

" Ponder the path of thy feet ;" — look well to 
the course you are taking lest you fall into sin. 

Pop u lace, n. In Europe the lower 
class of people is called the pop- 
ulace. 



Pop u lar, a. relating to the people in 
general. 

When the great body of the people agree 
in opinion or wishes, we call it the popular 
voice. 

suited to the people in general. 

He has written a popular work on astron- 
omy, so as to make it plain to those who 
have not given much attention to the sub 
ject._ 

pleasing to the people in general. 

It was a very popular measure, and not one 
throughout the whole country was found who 



Pop u la tion, n. the whole number 
of people in a place, state, or 
country. 

The. population of the United States, 
according to the census of 1840, was 
17,100,572. 

Pop u lous, a. full of inhabitants. 

London is the most populous city in Eu- 
rope. 

Por tion, n. part of a thing. — a part 
of a thing assigned to a particular 
person. 

The mother divided the fruit into six por- 
tions, and gave one to each of the children. 

the part of an estate which is given 
to a child or heir. 

The prodigal son said to his father ; " Give 
me the portion of goods that falleth to me." 

Po si tion, (po zish un,) n. the pla£e 
where a thing stands, or is put. 

. Their position at the window was such, 
that they had a good view of the whole pro- 
cession. 

the manner in which a person or 
thing stands, or is placed. 

The entrance into the cavern was so low, 
that they could not walk into it in an upright 
position, but were obliged to creep on their 
hands and feet. . 

When a person affirms something to be 



POS 



161 



PRA 



true, and reasons from it, we say, he lays it 
down as a position. 

Pos i tive, a. not implied, direct. 

We did not have to guess what he meant. 
He made a positive declaration about the 
matter in so many words. 

absolute. 

His father gave him a positive command 
not to go into the river to swim without per- 
mission. 

really existing. 

To be free from troublesome companions, 
is a negative good; but to have agreeable 
ones, is a positive good. 

feeling very sure that a thing is so. 

He told the farmer, that he was positive he 
had seen his lost horse on the mountain. 

Pos ses sion, n. the having, holding, 
or occupying a thing, in some cases 
rightfully, and in others wrongful- 

He has come into possession of a large es- 
tate by the death of his grandfather. 

He claimed that the watch which was in 
the other man's possession, belonged to him. 

The possession of great power, often 
makes men haughty and unfeeling. 

the thing owned. 

God gave Mount Seir to Esau for a posses- 
sion. 

Pos si ble, a. that which can be, or 
can be done. 

It is possible for me, to-day, to raise my 
hand to my head ; but I could not do it last 
week, for I had the rheumatism. 

It is possible for him to get the lesson, if 
he would only study it carefully. 

that which may be, or may be done. 
It is possible that he may arrive here in a 
week, but not very probable. 

Pos ter i ty, n. A man's children, 
grand -children, great -grand-chil- 
dren, and so on, including all his 
descendants, are called his posteri- 
11 



ty. — All the generations of men 
which come after the present gen- 
eration, are called posterity. 
Post pone', (post pone',) v. a. to put 
off to a future time. 

The day for the exhibition was so rainy, 
that it was postponed for another week. 

Pos-ture, n. the manner of sitting, 
standing, or reclining. 

A well-bred man will take care |c avoid all 
unbecoming postures of body. 

condition. 

The army was disbanded, the navy was 
neglected, and the forts were out of repair. 
The country was in a bad posture for a war. 
Pow' er, n. I can think ; that is, I 
f have the power to think. — I can 
rise up and walk ; that is, I have 
the power to do it. 

The boy can do what his father tells him to 
do ; that is, he has power to obey his father. — 
He can do much good with his property ; that 
is, he has the power of doing good. — He can 
tell what is right from what is wrong ; that is, 
he has the power of distinguishing right from 
wrong. Brutes have not this power. — The 
water from the pond moves the great wheel of 
the factory, and that moves all the smaller 
wheels. The water is the moving power. — 
He can, by argument and persuasion, lead bis 
friends to do as he wishes. *He has great 
power over their minds. — Authority, command, 
government, are also called power; as, the 
power of the ancient Romans extended over a 
large part of the world which was then known. 

Prac ti ca ble, a. that which can be 
done. 

The men sent out to examine the ground, 
said that although it was very rough and* 
hilly, it was practicable to make a good road 
over it. 

Prac ti cal, a. relating to the doing of 
things. 

He had not read and studied much, but he 



PRE 



162 



PRE 



understood well how to carry on the common 
business of life. He had a great deal of 
practical knowledge. 

He does not merely think how things ought 
to be done ; but he has done them himself so 
often, that he knows very well how to do them. 
He is a practical man. 
Prac tice, n. doing a thing frequently 
and regularly. 

He is in the constant practice of walking 
before breakfast. 

not merely thinking, studying, or 
talking about a thing, but doing 
it. 

When he became a clerk, he put the 
know>dge of arithmetic which he acquired 
at school, into practice. 

When a physician has much to do in his 
profession, we say he has an extensive pracj 
tice. 

Pre cau tion, n. care taken before- 
hand to guard against some evil or 
danger. 

If Lord Nelson, at the battle of Trafalgar, 
had taken the precaution of laying aside the 
decorations which distinguished him as an 
Admiral, he might not have been killed. 

Pre cede, v. a. to go before. 

Monday precedes Tuesday. 
In the procession the teacher of each school 
preceded his scholars. 

Prec' e dent, (pres se dent,) n. some- 
thing that has been said or done, 
and which is used as an example, 
or to justify the saying or doing 'a 
similar thing again. 

The Americans refused to pay a small tax 
on tea, because they feared it might be made 
» a precedent by the British government for 
laying other taxes upon them. 

Pre cept, n. a direction or rule of 
conduct given by authority. 

Our Saviour's sermon on the mount is full 
of excellent precepts. 



Pre' cious, (presh us,) a. of great 
price. 

" A good name is better than precious oint- 
ment." 
esteemed or valued highly. 

He kept a lock of his mother's hair as a 
precious memorial of her. 

Pre else, a. exact in every particu- 
lar. 

He sent his son to market, and gave him 
precise directions what to buy, and how much 
of each article. 

When a man is excessively exact and par- 
ticular in all that he says and does, he is called 
a precise man. 

Pre elude, v. a. to shut out, or keep 
from, by something done before- 
hand. 

His mean and wicked conduct has preclu- 
ded him from all good society. 

Pred e ces sor, n. one who has been 
before another in some office or 
place. 

Moses was the predecessor of Joshua as- 
the leader of the Israelites, 

Pre die tion, n. a telling beforehand 
what is to happen. 

The predictions in the almanacs about the 
weather, are too foolish to be at all regarded. 

Pref ace, n. something said at the 
beginning, to tell what is to follow, 
or to explain it. 

The preface is short, and ought to be read 
before studying the book. 

Pre fer, v. a. to like one better than 
another. 

The captive Jews in Babylon loved their 
country, and one of them said ; " If I do not 
remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the 
roof of my mouth ; if I prefer not Jerusalem 
above my chief joy." 

Many regard the winter as preferable to the 
summer for study. 



PRE 



163 



PRE 



Have no preference without a good reason 
for it. '. , . , 

to advance or raise to some higher 
station. 

Darius preferred Daniel to be chief over 
all the other officers of his kingdom. 

Pre fix, n. a letter, syllable, or word, 
placed at the beginning of a word, 
which generally varies its mean- 
ing ; as un before able in unable, 
and re in rebuild. 

Prej u dice, n. an opinion or decision 
formed beforehand, and without 
proper examination. 

His prejudice in favor of the old mode of 
instruction was so strong, that he thought no 
improvements could be made in it. 

a strong like or dislike for a thing 
without any good reason. 

One of the family had injured him while 
a boy, and he always afterwards had a strong 
prejudice against persons of the same 
name. 

injury. 

It was quite a prejudice to his business, 
that his clerk was not more attentive to the 
customers. 

Pre ma ture,a. ripe too soon, formed 
before the proper time, said or done 
too soon. 

He had a premature mind, and could read 
well when he was only three years old. 

He made up his mind against the book after 
only one day's trial. It was a premature de- 
cision. 

Pre med i tate, v. a. to think of and 
contrive beforehand. 

(Jhe robbers had premeditated an attack 
upon the travellers, but were deterred from 
doing it- by hearing that they were armed. 

Pre mi um, n. something valuable 
offered to the person who shall ex- 



cel in a certain thing, or who shall 
do a certain thing. 

She got the premium, which was five 
dollars, for making the best butter. 

The Agricultural Society offered a premium 
4 a silver cup, for the discovery of a sure 
mode of destroying the canker worm. 

Pre scribe, v. a. for a physician to 
direct what medicines a patient is 
to take, or how he is to be treated. 
— to give rule* or directions with 
authority. 

A farmer prescribed the tasks which were 
to be performed by his sons during his ab- 
sence. 

Pre serve, v. a. to keep safe from de- 
cay, injury, or any evil. 

He has preserved the book, with great care, 
which was given him as a reward for good 
conduct at school, when he was a boy. 

Pre sume, v. n. to suppose a thing to 
be true, without examination or 
positive proof. 

As the weather was favorable, he said he 
presumed that the steam- boat had arrived, 
though he had not been down to the river to 
see. 

to venture without positive permis- 
sion. 

As he was an old friend of the family, he 
presumed to call at a very early hour. 

Pre su ming, a. too forward and bold. 

Though the youngest person in the com- 
pany, he was so presuming as to talk very 
loudly and confidently on subjects about 
which he knew very little. 

Pre sump tu ous, a. too bold and dar- 
ing. 

The boy was so presumptuous, that he 
climbed a lofty tree, and went out on one of 
its weakest branches to get a bird's nest. , 

taking too much upon one's self, too 
forward. 



PRI 



164 



PRO 



It was very presumptuous in the young 
man to seat himself at the head, of the table, 
without being asked tn do it, when several 
persons older than himself were present. 

done directly against conscience, and 
what one clearly knows to be Ins 
duty. 

It was a presumptuous sin in David to take 
the life of Uriah. 

Pre vail, v. n. to overcome, to get the 
advantage of. 

After a war of several^years with the Brit- 
ish, the Americans prevailed, and established 
their independence. 

to have power or influence. 

After a long conversation, a teacher pre- 
vailed upon the mother to send her child to 
the Sunday school. 

to be general in its influence. 

The influenza prevailed throughout the 
whole town ; scarcely a family escaped. 

It was a prevalent opinion in ancient times, 
that the parts of the world near the equator 
were too hot to be inhabited. 

Pre vent, v. a. to keep a thing from 
happening or being done. 

He was prevented from fulfilling his en- 
gagement by being taken suddenly sick. 
An ounce of prevention is better than a 
* pound of cure. * 

Pre vi ous, a. before something else. 

In his letter he mentioned something which 
he had written in a previous one. 

Prey, (pra,) n. something seized with 
violence, to be devoured or carried 
off. 

The wolf made a prey of the young lamb. 
An animal that lives on other animals, is 
called an animal of prey. 

Pride, ■ n. thinking very highly o'f 
one's self. 

Parmenio, a distinguished general of Alex- 
ander, said one day to his son who showed a 
great deal of pride ; " My son, be less." 



" When pride cometh, then cometh shame , 
but with the lowly is wisdom." 

Prince, n. a sovereign, a chief ruler. 

— a king's son. 
Prln ci pal, a. chief. 

The principal families in the town patron 
ized the young painter, by having their like- 
nesses taken. 

He said he had only time to answer the 
principal arguments of his opponent. 

Pri vate, a. belonging or relating to a 
particular person. 

He owned a factory in company with his 
brother, and had considerable private proper- 
ty besides; 

away from company or observation, 
alone. 

He staid at the hotel a week, and took a 
private parlor for himself and his family. 

secret, not public. 

He wrote a letter to the individual, and 
wished him to consider it as private, and not 
to be seen by any one. 

A private citizen is one who holds no office. 

Friv i lege, n. a right or advantage 
enjoyed by some and not by others. 

Members of Congress have the privilege of 
franking letters, that is, of sending them by 
the mail free of postage. 

The gentleman with whom he lived, when 
a boy, had a large library, and gave him the 
privilege of taking books from it. 

Prize, v. a. to set a price upon. 

He prized the goods at forty dollars. 

to esteem, to value highly. 

She has made a collection of the autographs, 
or hand-writing, of many distinguished indi- 
viduals, which she prizes very much. 

Prob a ble, a. likely to be true or to 
happen, though not certain. 

Dark clouds are rising in the south, Ad it 
is probable that there will soon be rain. 

Pro ceed, v. n. to go forward. 

He rose at sun-rise and proceeded on his 
journey. 



PRO 



165 



PRO 



to go from, or out of. 

" Let no corrupt communication proceed 
out of your mouth." 

to carry on any business or course of 
action. 

In taking whales, the sailors have to pro- 
ceed with much caution. 

to come from as from a cause. 

His misery has proceeded from his own 
misconduct. 

Proc' ess, (pros es,) n. a moving or 
going forward. 

In process of time, Robert, if he lives, will 
grow up to be a man. 

the particular manner in which a 
thing takes place, is made, or is 
done. 

He took his son to the pottery, to show him 
the process of making a pitcher out of a lump 
of clay. 
Pro ces sion, n. a number of persons 
moving after each other in regular 
order, on some solemn or impor- 
tant occasion. 
Pro claim, v. a. to make known in a 
public manner, and often with au- 
thority. 

When Nineveh was threatened with de- 
struction by the prophet Jonah, the king pro- 
claimed a fast to be kept by all the inhab- 
itants. 

Pro cure, v. a. to get by care, effort, 
purchase, or request. 

He is poor, and has to work hard to pro- 
cure the necessaries of life for himself and 
family. 

to cause or bring about. 

He did not like the captain of the steam- 
boat, and tried all he could to procure his dis- 
mission from that office. 

to gain. 

His good conduct procured him the love 
and esteem of all who knew him. 



Prod i gal, a. spending in a wasteful 
and extravagant manner. 

His father died and left him a large estate ; 
but he was so prodigal that he had squander- 
ed it all before he became of age. 

Caligula, a Roman emperor, was so prod- 
igal, that in little more than a year he spent a * 
fortune of eighteen millions of pounds ster- 
ling left him by Tiberius, his predecessor. 

He was prodigal of his time, and wasted a 
great part of the day in the bar-room of a 
neighboring tavern. 

Pro duce, v. a. to bring forward to 
view or notice. 

John told the master he had received a let- 
ter from his father requesting him to come 
home. The master asked him to produce it. 

to bear, to bring forth. 

.The tree produced apples which had one 
half sweet, and the other half sour. 

to cause to be. 

One thoughtless word often produces a 
great deal of mischief. 

Pro due tion, n. act of producing. 

The soil of one part of his farm was pecu- 
liarly favorable to the production of potatoes. 

the thing produced. 

Rice, cotton, and silk, are the chief produc- 
tions of Hindoostan. 

Pro fane, a. treating sacred things 
, without reverence. 

He is very profane in his conversation ; he 
uses the name of God lightly, and speaks dis- 
respectfully of the Bible. 

relating to the affairs and business of 
this world. 

Moses wrote sacred history, and Herodo- 
tus, profane history. — In the Bible, things ' 
consecrated to God are called holy, and other 
things, profane. 

Pro fes sion, n. an open declaration 
of what one thinks, feels, or be- 
lieves. 

The early Christians were not afraid to 
make a public profession of their Jaith in 



PRO 



166 



PRO 



Christ, though it often exposed them to die 
as martyrs. 

regular business or employment 
• which requires not mechanical 

skill, but study and thought; as 
'the profession of a clergyman, of a 

lawyer, of a physician. 
Prof it, n. what a thing is sold for 

above what it cost. 

He bought fifteen bushels of apples for 
twenty-five cents a bushel, and sold them for 
thirty cents a bushel. What profit did he 
make on the whole ? 
gain, advantage. 

" In all labor there is profit, but the talk of 
the lips tendeth only to penury." 

Pro found', a. very deep ; as the pro- 
found ocean. 

deep in thought, requiring close 
thinking to understand it. 

The eternity of God is a very profound sub- 
ject ; no human mind can comprehend it. 

We call him a profound man who thinks 
deeply and closely, and understands difficult 
subjects. 

Pro fuse, a. spending, using, or giv- 
ing away things very freely and 
immoderately. 

Cataline, a wicked Roman conspirator, was 
very eager to get other men's property, an* 
very profuse of his own. 

abounding in a great degree. 

When the maple trees were cut down and 
cleared away, there came up a profuse growth 
of pines. 

She loves flowers, and has a profusion of 
them in her garden. 

Prog ress, n. moving forward, advan- 
cin §: 

He is very diligent, and makes rapid pro- 
gress in his studies. 
Pro hib it, v. a. to forbid with au- 
thority. 



Christians are prohibited by the Mohamme- 
dans from entering their mosques. 

Proj ect, n. something new, useful, 
or important to be made or accom- 
plished, with the plan for doing it. 

A project has been formed for cutting a ca- 
nal across the isthmus of Darien, so as to 
unite the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. 

Prom i nent, a. standing out farther 
than the other parts around it. 

He has a prominent nose. 

distinguished above others. 

He was a prominent man, and most stran- 
gers who visited the city wished to be intro- 
duced to him. 
Pro mote, v. a. to aid in carrying for- 
ward. 

The discovery of the art of printing has 
very much promoted the diffusion of know- 
ledge throughout the world. 

to raise to a higher station or office. 

For his great braveiy, he was promoted 
from the rank of captain to that of major. 

Prompt, a. quick and ready without 
any delay. 

A gentleman said to a child; "Tell me 
where God is, and I will give you an orange." 
The prompt reply of the child was ; " Tell 
me where he is not, and I will give you two." 

Ledyard, the traveller, being asked how 
soon he could be ready to start for Africa, if 
it should be thought best to have him go, his 
prompt reply was, " To-morrow." 

Children should render prompt obedience 
to their parents. 

Proof, n. trial, doing something to 
find out what is- true. 

Before he bought the pencils, he made 
proof of them, to see if they w r ere good, by 
writing with them on a slate. 

" Prove all things ; hold fast that which is 
good." 

the amount of evidence which con- 
vinces the mind that a thing is 
true or false, right or wrong. 



• 



PRO 



167 



PRO 



There was much evidence brought forward 
in court to show that the prisoner was guilty ; 
but the jury did not think that the proof of it 
was clear, and acquitted him. 

A. judge who cannot be influenced by a 
bribe, is said to be proof against it. 

A wall of a fort which cannot be pene- 
trated by cannon balls, is said to be proof 
against them. 

Proph e cy, n. a foretelling of some- 
thing which is to happen, and 
which cannot be foreseen by our 
knowledge of what has already 
happened. . 

In the Bible are many prophecies relating 
to Christ, and his coming into our world, 
which were made long before he appeared. 

Pro por tion, n. Our arms are just 
long enough for strength, and ease 
of motion and use. There is a 
good proportion between them and 
the other parts of the body. 

He merely smiled in school, and the mas- 
ter punished him severely for it. There was 
no proportion between his fault and the pun- 
ishment. 

When a person has his proper share 
of a thing, we s^iy, he has his proportion 
of it. 

Pro pose, v. a. to offer something to 
be considered, to be determined, 
or to be acted upon. 

When Themistocles told the Athenians, 
that he had a secret plan for placing them at 
the head of Greece, they directed him to com- 
municate it to Aristides. It was to burn the 
fleet of their allies. Aristides told the Athe- 
nians, that nothing could be more advanta- 
geous than what Themistocles proposed, nor 
at the same time more unjust ; and they re- 
fused to do it. 4 

When one says., " I propose to go to Bos- 
ton to-morrow," it means that he intends to 
do it. 

Pros' e cute, v. a. to continue doing, 



with a design to accomplish some 
particular object. 

He began the study of German last month, 
and is prosecuting it with great industry. 

to bring before a court of justice for 
some crime or injury. 

He was prosecuted for robbing the mail. 
A man prosecuted his neighbor for driving 
cattle several times through his meadow. 

Pros pect, n. all that can be seen 
from a single point or place. 

We ascended the steeple, and a fine pros- 
pect of the city, the river, and the surround- 
ing country was spread before us. 

a view in the mind of something fu- 
ture. 

The prospect of heaven encourages the 
Christian to endure with patience the trials 
of life. • 

future good or evil to be expected. 

His prospects are very fair of becoming 
useful in his profession, and of getting a com- 
fortable support. 

Pros per, v a. to favor and make suc- 
cessful. 

When Joseph was in the house of Poti- 
phar, the Lord prospered him in all that he 

did. 

v. n. to be successful, to thrive. 

He settled down upon some new land ten 
years ago, and has prospered so much that he 
is now a wealthy farmer. 

" The prosperity of fools shall destroy 
them." 

Prov erb, n. a short wise saying ; as, 
" The fear of the Lord is the be- 
ginning of knowledge." 

Prov i dence, n. the constant over- 
sight and care which God takes of 
all beings and things. 

In all difficulties and dangers look to God 
for aid, and put your trust in his providence. 

Prov i dent, a. foreseeing what is 



PUR 



168 



QUA 



wanted for the future, and taking 
care to get it in season. 

He was a provident man, and, before the 
cold weather, laid in all the supplies which 
the family needed for winter. 

Pro v5ke, v. a. to stir up; as to pro- 
voke anger or hatred, — to provoke 
one to love and good works. 

When we say that it provoked his laughter, 
we mean that it caused him to laugh. 

Pru dent, a. looking carefully at con- 
sequences before one says, does, 
or undertakes something. 

He is a very prudent man and takes great 
care to guard against what is evil or injuri- 
ous ; to undertake only what he thinks he can 
accomplish without much risk, and to use the 
bestjjneans for doing it. 

Her income was small, and she was obliged 
to be prudent in the expenses of her family. 

Pub lie, a. belonging or relating to a 
state, whole country, or nation; as 
public property, the public good. 

generally known. 

They kept the matter secret for a short 
time, but at length it became public and ex- 
cited great surprise. 

not belonging or relating to an indi- 
vidual, but to the community. 

He gave a large and beautiful* piece of 
ground, in the center of the town, for a pub- 
lic s }uare to walk in. 

Punc tu al, a. coming, doing, or done 
at the exact time. 

He who is not punctual, often robs others 
of their time. 

Pure, a. unmixed, free from every 
thing which does not properly be- 
long to it. 

Pure gold is that which has no dross in it. 

He never employs any foreign words, or 
those which are not in good use. His lan- 
guage is very pure. 



not corrupt and wicked. 

" Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they 
shall see God." 

mere. 

He helped the stranger from pure compas- 
sion ; he had no other motive for doing it. 

Pur pose, n. something placed before 
the mind to be done or accomplish- 
ed. 

. His purpose in visiting the female semina- 
ry, was to find a teacher for his children. 

intention or design. 

You cannot depend upon him, for very lit- 
tle things" will lead him to change his pur- 
pose. 

We say, it will answer no purpose to do a 
thing, when it will have no effect, or be of no 
use to do it. 



; 



£~\uack, n. one who pretends in a 

^^ boastful manner to have skill or 
knowledge which he does not pos- 
sess, especially in the practice of 
medicine. 

Quad ru ped, n. an ammal which has 
four legs ; as a horse or dog. 

Quaff, v. a. to drink, to swallow in 
large draughts. 

He was very thirsty, and was much re- 
freshed by quaffing the pure water from the 
fountain. 

Qual i fy, v. a. to make fit for some 
duty, privilege, or employment. 

He joined the highest class in the acad- 
emy, and pursued his studies for a year with 
great diligence, to qualify himself to become 
a teacher. 

He was born in the State and had always 
resided in it, w r as twenty-one years of age, 
had a good character, sufficient property, and 
all the qualifications necessary to make him a 



QUO 



169 



RAN 



to limit, explain, alter, or abate. 

He at first said that they were a very in- 
hospitable people, but afterwards qualified 
his remark by admitting that some families 
were kind and attentive to strangers. 

Qual i ty, n. Snow falling from the 
clouds is always white. White- 
ness belongs to snow. Whiteness 
is a quality of snow. — Sweetness 
is a quality of sugar. — To be poi- 
sonous is a quality of arsenic. — 
To cause sleep is a quality of 
opium. 

He was frank, generous, honest and kind, 
and had many other good qualities. — Persons 
of high rank and distinction, are sometimes 
called persons of quality. — When we inquire 
» abouT the quality of an action, we mean to ask 
whether it is good or bad, right or wrong. — 
When we inquire about the quality of a thing, 
we mean to ask whether it is fitted or not 
for the use for which it was designed, or 
how* it compares with other things of the 
same kind ; as, " What is the quality of that 
cloth?" 

Quell, v. a. to subdue, to put a stop to 
by force. 

Several companies rose against the com- 
mander, but by a prompt and decisive move- 
ment he quelled the mutiny. 

to allay. 

The- steamboat took fire, but the cap- 
tain quelled the fears of the passengers by 
telling them that it would soon be extin- 
guished. 

Quo rum, n. The number of persons 
which the law, or some rule, re- 
quires to be present for doing busi- 
ness. 

Quo ta, n. the share or proportion as- 
signed to each. 

The State was required to raise three thou- 
sand soldiers, as its quota for the army. 



Quote, v. a. to take or repeat the 
words of another, as such. 

Our Saviour quoted the Old Testament 
when he said, " Thou shalt worship the Lord 
thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." 

R. 

"Q ace, ft.arunning, often tosee which 
will beat. — all who are descended 
from the same ancestor. 
He is a Jew, and of the race of Abraham. 
Mankind are sometimes divided into five 
races, — the European, the Asiatic or Mon- 
golian, the American or Indian, the Malay, 
and the African. 

Rack, n. a frame to put hay in. — an 
engine used to inflict severe pain. 

Ra di ance, n. light shooting out 
steadily and brightly, as the radi- 
ance of the sun or of the moon. 

Rail, v. n. to use abusive and re- 
proachful language. 

As Christ hung on the cross, " they that passed 
by railed on him, wagging their heads." 

Ral ly, v. a. to put men again into or- 
der who have been dispersed, or 
thrown into disorder. 

The troops were retreating in confusion, 
but the general rallied them, and they re- 
turned to the attack with great bravery. 

to joke or laugh at, sometimes in a 

severe manner. 
Ran cor, n. bitter and settled malice. 

He cherished so deep rancor against his 
neighbor, that he expressed the greatest joy 
at his death. 

Ran dom, n. without any direction, 
rule, or method. 

An intoxicated man fired a gun at random, 
which wounded a little boy severely. 

Range, n. things placed in a line ; as 
a range of houses, a range of hills 



RAP 

a wandering off from the usual course. 

He took a wide range in his speech, and 
introduced many things which had little or no 
connection with his subject. 

the extent of room to move in. 

He let down the bars, and gave the cattle 
the range of two large meadows. 

Rank, n. a row of men standing side 
by side. — the place held, consid- 
ered as high or low, when com- 
pared with others. 

He has the rank of colonel. 
He is an author of the highest rank. 
Under a kingly government there are many 
ranks among the people. 

Ran kle, v. n. to fester, to be inflamed 
either in body or in mind. 

The wound rankles, and gives him great 
pain. 

Let not envy rankle in your breast. 

Ran som, n. a price paid, to get one 
set free from captivity, or delivered 
from punishment, or to get back 
goods which have been captured 
by an enemy. 

Louis IX., king of France, invaded Egypt, 
and captured Damietta. He was afterwards 
defeated and taken prisoner, and gave this 
city back again, as a ransom for himself. 
This happened in the year 1248. 

the being set free from captprity. 

He offered a large sum to procure the ran- 
som of his son, but the enemy would not give 
him up. 

Ra pa cious, a. greedy of what, be- 
longs to others, and disposed to 
take it violently. 

Many of the Pharisees of old were so ra- 
pacious, that our Saviour denounced a woe 
against them for devouring widows' houses. 

accustomed to seize other animals 
violently for food. 
The wolf and tiger are rapacious. 



170 



RAV 



Rate, n. price of a thing. 

He sold his goods at 'so low a rate, that he 
made very little profit on them. 

the settled value, or fixed price. 

A Spanish silver dollar passes in the Uni- 
ted States at the rate of one hundred cents. 

The rates of passing through the turnpike- 
gates, are established by law. 

degrees of swiftness or slowness. " 

The cars on the rail -road went at the rate 
of twenty -five miles an hour. 

a tax. 

He always pays his rates the first time the 
collector calls. 

Rat i fy, v. a. to approve and confirm 
by authority that which has been 
done by others. 

Nd treaty made by the General Govern- 
ment with foreign nations, is bindinpuntil it 
is ratified by the Senate of the United States* 

Ra tion al, a. having the power of 
reasoning. 

Man is a rational animal, but the -brutes 
are irrational. 

agreeable to reason. 

It is rational to believe that the soul will 
exist after death, even if the Bible did not 
tell us so. 

We call him a rationalmcm who acts wisely. 

Rav age, v. a. to plunder, to lay 
waste, to destroy by violence. 

The troops of the enemy overrun the coun- 
try, and ravaged the villages and fields where- 
ever they went. 

Just before harvest, a furious hail-storm 
ravaged the fields, and beat down the oats, the 
grain, and the young corn. 

Intemperance has made great ravages upon 
his constitution. 

Rav en ous, a. furiously greedy after 
food ; as a ravenous wolf or vul- 
ture. 

He had eaten nothing for two days, and his 
appetite was so ravenous that it seemed as if 
he could not be satisfied. 



REB 



171 



REC 



Raze, v. a. to pull or break down and 
destroy utterly. 

When Jerusalem was taken and destroyed 
by the Romans, under Titus, in the year 70, 
the temple was razed to the foundation, and 
the ground on which it stood was ploughed 
up. 

( Rea son, n. the power which the hu- 
man mind has to distinguish be- 
tween what is true and false, right 
and wrong, good and evil ; to per- 
ceive the connection between dif- 
ferent truths ; and to derive one 
truth from another. 

A child soon begins to understand xohy it 
should obey its parents ; why it should not 
steal ; ivhy certain things are done or made ; 
why it should do so and so, in order to avoid 
what is injurious, or procure what is pleas- 
ant. It is its reason which enables it to do 
all this. 

why a thing is believed or done. 

i He said the 'reasons for his thinking the 
sick man would get well, were, that he had a 
good constitution, a skillful physician, and an 
attentive nurse. 

cause. 

He was kept from school a month by rea- 
son of sickness. 

Rea son a ble,a. having the power of 
reasoning. — agreeable to what is 
proper, just, and right. 

He is very fair in his dealings, and makes 
nothing more than a reasonable profit on his 
goods. 

Reb el, n. one who resists and re- 
nounces lawful authority. 

The Americans were called rebels by the 
British during the war of the revolution. 

Re biike, v. a. to blame in order to 
check. 

When the nobles and the rulers at Jerusa- 
lem oppressed the people by taking usury, 
Nehemiah rebuked them. 



to afflict in order to make better. 

" O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, 
nor chasten me in thy hot displeasure." 

to quiet, to silence. 

Jesus " rebuked the winds and the sea, and 
there was a great calm." 

Re call, v. a. to call back. 

His father sent Henry on an errand, and 
when he had gone but a few steps from the 
door, recalled him to give him some further 
directions. 

His visit to his native place recalled to his 
mind an event which happened there when 
he was a boy. 

for one to take back a thing, and con- 
sider it as if it had not been said 
or done. 

He wrote a letter to recall the order which 
he had sent a few days before to his agent to 
buy him some goods. 

Re cant, v. a. for one to take back 
what he has declared, and con- 
sider it as not having been said. 

He recanted all that he had said against his 
neighbor, and acknowledged that it was false. 

Re cede, v. n. to go back. 

The sea has receded so far in a harbor in 
France within a century, that the remains of 
a British frigate which was once sunk there, 
are now in the midst of a plain. 

to desist from, to give up. 

.He at first insisted upon being paid twenty 
dollars a. month, but afterwards receded from 
his demand and took eighteen. 

Re cent, a. not having existed long, 
late, new. 

The bar at the mouth of the harbor is of re- 
cent origin. A few years ago, ships could en- 
ter it without any difficulty. 

There is recent intelligence that the plague 
is raging in Alexandria. 

Reck less, a. very rash and regard- 
less of consequences. 

The traveller was so reckless, that he stood 
for some time, at the very mouth of the vol- 
cano after the eruption had begun. 



REC 



172 



-RED 



Re claim, v. a. to bring back from a 
bad to a good state or condition. 

By faithful and kind efforts, he succeeded 
in reclaiming the young man from gambling. 

Rec og nize, or rec' og nise, v. a. to 
recollect that one has known be- 
fore what is now presented to his 
notice. 

He had not seen his friend for thirty years, 
but recognized him as soon as he met him. 

to acknowledge. 

Children should show by their conduct that 
they recognize the duty of treating their pa- 
rents with respect. 

Rec ol lect, v. a. to recall to the 
mind, usually with some degree of 
effort, what it has known before. 

It was not till after iie had examined the 
hand- writing for some time, that he recollected 
he had seen it before. 

Rec om mend, v. a. to speak well of 
a person or thing to another. 

The physician recommended the medicine 
to the sick man, saying he had every reason 
to believe it would cure him. 

to cause to be well thotight of and 
acceptable. 

The neatness and quietness of the hotel, 
recommend it to all who visit, it. 

Rec om pense,7i.an equivalent either 
as a reward or punishment. 

The physician told the poor family that all 
the recompense which he asked for attending 
them, was the pleasure of doing them good. 

" Recompense to no man evil for evil." 

Rec on cile, v. a. to make persons 
friends again whose friendship has 
been broken off. 

He took great pains to reconcile the two 
neighbors to each other who had had a long 
quarrel, and at last succeeded. 

vO make satisfied or contented with. 
The sick man, when disposed to murmur 



and complain, reconciled himself to his con- 
dition by thinking how many were suffering 
more than he. 

to make things agree which appeared 
to contradict each other. 

He cannot reconcile the account which he 
gives to-day, with the one which he gave yes- 
terday ; either the one or the other must be 
false. 

Re cord, v. a. to write down things 
that they may not be forgotten. 

The Secretary of the Board of Directors 
recorded what they did at the meeting, in a 
book kept for the purpose. 

Re course, n. applying for aid or 
protection. 

He was so lame that he was obliged to have 
recourse to crutches. 

Re cruz't, v. a. to furnish again- what 
has been lost, spent, or wasted. 

His health has been much recruited by a 
sea-voyage. 

He was stationed in the city to get soldiers 
as recruits for the army. 

Re cur, v. n. to come back to the 
mind. 

What we said and did years ago, often re- 
curs to us in our dreams, 
to apply or go to.' 

He was often obliged to recur to the dic- 
tionary, to find out the meaning of words. 

Re deem, v. a. to free from captivity, 
bondage, or some evil, by paying 
something as an equivalent. 

For a long time the Algerines obliged other 
nations to redeem, by large sums of money, 
those whom they had taken prisoners. 

to buy back again what has been sold, 
by paying the price to the person 
who bought it. 

By the laws of Moses if a man sold a 
house in a walled city, he had a right to re- 
deem it within a year if he wished so to dp. 

to deliver from some evil. 



REF 



173 



REG 



The Psalmist says, " God will redeem my 
soul from the power of the grave." 

The Bible says, " Christ has redeemed us 
from the curse of the law, being made a curse 
for us ;" — that is, on account of what Christ 
has done and suffered, God will forgive and 
receive to heaven those who truly repent of 
their sins and trust in Christ. 

" But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who 
of God is made unto us wisdom, and right- 
eousness, and sanctification, and redemption" 

Re dress, n. something given or done, 
to make up fo/ an injury or loss. 

When Henry's kite was torn in pieces by 
Robert, he went to Robert's father to get re- 
dress, —who paid him what it was worth. 

the putting of things right where 
wrong has been done. 

The American colonies petitioned the 
British government several times for a re- 
dress of the injuries they had suffered, before 
they went to war. 

Re dfice, v. a. to bring from higher to 
lower, or from greater to smaller. 

' Flour became so plenty, that the price was 
reduced from six to five dollars a barrel. 

The water in the pond was reduced so low 
by the drought, that grain could not be ground 
at t ae mill. 

to bring under rule, or into order. 

When the mother returned from a longigb- 
sence, she found the affairs of the family in 
much confusion, and it took, her some time to 
reduce them to a proper state. 

to cause to submit. 

Julius Cesar invaded Britain 55 years be- 
fore Christ, and, not long after, reduced the 
country under the power of the Romans. 

Re fer, v. a. to direct to for information. 

The little boy referred the stranger to the 
next house, to learn where the person lived 
about whom he inquired. 

to leave to for decision. 

Two neighbors could not agree how much 
one should pay for the damage which his 
cattle had done by breaking into the meadow 



of the other, and referred the matter to another 
* neighbor to say what it should be. 

v. n. to carry the mind to. 

When Christ said, " And I, if I be lifted 
up from the earth, will draw all men unto 
me," he referred to the manner of his death. 

to point to. 

He said he did not refer to any one present. 

Re fleet, v. a. to throw back. 

The clear, calm lake reflects the image of 
the moon, at evening. 

v. n. to turn back the thoughts upon 
what is past. 

He reflected with sorrow on his miscon- 
duct, and resolved with divine aid to. do bet- 
ter in future. 

to think deeply and seriously. 

He said it was so important a matter, that 
he wished for more time to reflect upon it, be- 
fore giving his opinion. 

Re form, v. a. to change from worse 
to better. 

Those who would reform others, must take 
care to do right themselves. 

When we see one earnestly desiring his 
own reformation, we ought to do all we can to 
encourage him in so good a work. 

Re frain, v. a. and n. to keep from. 

" He that will love life and see good days, 
let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his 
lips that they speak no guile." 

He told the story in so affecting a manner, 
that the audience could not refrain from tears. 

Refuge, n. shelter or protection from 
some threatening evil. 

" God is our refuge and strength, a very 
present help in trouble." 

The Israelites had six cities of refuge, 
three on each side of the Jordan, to which if a 
person fled who had killed another without de- 
sign, he was safe so long as he continued there. 

Re gard, v. a. to notice. 

He was so melancholy that he regarded the 
beautiful scenery with indifference. 

to attend to and consider as impor- 
tant. 



REL 



174 



REL 



Youth should regard the counsels of age. m 

to esteem with affection. 

The teacher was faithful and kind, and the 
scholars regarded him very highly. 

to keep religiously. 

The captain and his crew regarded the 
Sabbath, and always had divine service on 
that day when the weather would permit. 

to relate to. 

He said, as it regarded himself, he had no 
choice in the matter. 

Re gret, n. a painful feeling on ac- 
count of something which has hap- 
pened, and a strong wish that it 
had been otherwise. 

He felt deep regret that he had been so in- 
attentive to his studies when at school. 

Reg u lar, a. according to rule. 

The regular hour for their beginning work 
in the factory, was five o'clock in the morn- 
ing. 

stated, fixed. 

There is a regular return of spring, sum- 
mer, autumn and winter, each year. 

Reg u late, v. a. to make things con- 
form to some rule, to carry them 
on in an orderly manner. 

Congress has power to regulate the trade 
between the United States and other na- 
tions. 

Re ject, v. a. to cast off, to refuse to 
accept. 

He was offered a large bribe to conceal the 
robbery, but rejected the proposal with abhor- 
rence. 

Re lapse, v. n. to fall back again into 
some previous bad state. 

He was fast recovering, when he indulged 
his appetite so much as to relapse again into 
a fever. 
Re late, v. a. to tell, to give an ac- 
count of. 
He was an old revolutionary soldier, and 



took great pleasure in relating his exploits to 
his grand-children. 

v. n. to be connected with, to refer 
to. 

The letter he wrote related to the loss 
which he had just met with from a large fire. 

The relation between a teacher and his pu- 
pils is an interesting one. 

The relations of life are numerous, as be- 
tween the master and apprentice, the physi- 
cian and his patient, the government and the 
people, and of one nation with' another. 

Re lax, v. a. to slacken, to mal^e more 
loose. 

He was obliged to relax his hold on the 
rope, and was drowned. 

to make less strict. 

As he grows older, he seems to relax bis 
discipline over his children. 

to divert and ease the mind. 

After studying hard, he relaxed himself by 
playing on the flute. 

Re lease, v. a. to set free. 

After two years' confinement, he was re- 
leased from prison. 

The poor man was unable to pay the debt, 
' and his creditor released him from the obli- 
gation. 

Re lent, v. n. to become less severe, 
to grow tender in feeling. 

*His son had become so disobedient and 
abandoned, that the father was obliged to 
send him away from home ; but on hearing 
that he was beginning to reform, he relented 
and permitted him to return. , 

Re Kef, n. the removing or easing of 
some pain or evil. 

When the Greeks were suffering during 
their war with the Turks, the Americans sent 
a vessel with provisions and clothing for their 
relief. 

Re lin quish, v. a. to leave or quit a 
thing, sometimes for a season, and 
sometimes intending never to re- 
turn to it. 



REM 



175 



REN 



His situation was a very agreeable one, 
but he was obliged to relinquish it on ac- 
count of ill health. 

to give up entirely. 

He relinquished to his sisters, who were 
poor, the portion of property left to him by 
his father. 

Re ly, v. n. to depend upon, to put 
confidence in. 

You may rely upon the truth of what he 
says, 'for he was never known to tell a false- 
hood. 

She was a poor and feeble widow, and her 
only reliance for support was upon ner son. 

Re mark, v. a. to take notice of in 
the mind. # 

He said nothing, but remarked carefully 
every thing that was going on around him. 

to express what one thinks or feels. 

He remarked, that h#had never seen so 
fine an exhibition of paintings before. 

Rem e dy, n. that which cures some 
disease, or removes some evil. 

His disorder had made such progress, that 
the physician told him it was too late to hope 
for a remedy. 

That which is used to cure some disease, 
or remove some evil, even if it should not 
succeed, is also called a remedy. 

Re mem ber, v. a. to keep in the mind. 

He said, he should remember his kindness 
as long as he lived. 

to recall to the mind, usually with- 
out effort, what it has known be- 
fore. 

He remembers countenances with great 
ease, but finds it very difficult to recollect 
names. 

Re miss, a. not doing at all what one 
ought to do, or not doing it in sea- 
son. 

His children were often absent frfm Sun- 
day school ; and when they came, they usu- 
ally came late. They were very remiss in 
their attendance. 



Re mon strate, v.-n. to express rea- 
sons against something in a strong 
and feeling manner. 

The Israelites remonstrated with Saul 
against putting his son Jonathan to death, 
for having broken his commands by eating a 
little honey. 
Re morse, n. the keen pain which 
the mind feels on account of some 
past crime or sin. 

No one suspected that be had committed 
the murder, but his remorse of conscience 
was so great that he confessed it twenty years 
afterwards, was tried, and was hung. 

Re mote, a. far off, distant in place, 
in time, or in connection with. 

His house was remote from any town or 
village. 

It was a remote event, and but few of the 
oldest inhabitants remembered it. 

They were remote relations, their grand- 
fathers being cousins. 

Ren der, v. a. to pay or give back. 

" See that none render evil for evil to any 
man." 

to give. 

He could render no excuse for his conduct, 
and was punished. 

to make or cause to be. 

He rendered himself very unpopular by 
his haughty manners. 

to put into one language from another. 

He rendered the Latin lesson into English. 

JRe new', (re nu,) v. a. to repeat. 

His father did not give him permission to 
go a sailing, and the next day he renewed his 
request. 

to make again. 

When their partnership had expired, they 
renewed it for five years more. 

to make strong and full of life. 

His journey has renewed his health, and 
he looks many years younger than he did. 

Re nounce', v. a. to cast off, to say 



REP 



176 



REP 



one will have nothing to do with a 
thing. 

He saw that his wicked companions were 
leading him astray, and he renounced them. 

He thought he had been treated with great 
injustice. He renounced his countiy, and 
> removed to another. 

Re nown', n. the being very exten- 
sively known and celebrated for 
something great. 

Men of the highest renown, have often 
done the world much more harm than good. 

Re peal, v. a. for the proper authori- 
ty to make a thing cease to have 
< force, -or be binding. 

The law was found not to be a good one, 
and the Legislature repealed it. 

Re pel, v. a. to drive back and keep 
off. 

The enemy attacked the city, but were re- 
pelled with great loss. 

Re pent, v. n. to be truly sorry for 
having done wrong, and to try to 
do better. 

" If thy brother trespass against thee, re- 
buke him ; and if he repent, forgive him." 

to regret having done that which 
causes inconvenience or evil. 

He found himself so unfit for the business, 
that he repented he had undertaken it. 

. Re pine, v. n. to fret at, and be dis- 
contented with. 

He was an envious man and continually 
repining at his situation, because he saw oth- 
ers more prosperous than himself. 

Re port, n. something talked of pub- 
licly. 

, Be slow to believe ill reports of others. 

an account or statement made by per- 
sons chosen for that purpose. 

A committee appointed by the British par- 
liament made a report, a few years since, on 



the observance of the Sabbath, in which they 
say, that uueach kind of business, the people 
engaged in it are immoral in proportion to 
their disregard of this holy day. 
a sound. 

The report of the cannon was heard seve- 
ral miles. 

Rep re sent, v. a. for one thing to 
show what another is, on account 
of being in some respects like it. 

The figure of a circle is sometimes used to 
represent eternity, because it has neither be- 
ginning n§r end. 
to describe. 

He represented so well what took place on 



the occasMi, that it seemed as if we were 
present and saw it all. 

to act the character of another person. 

A teacher taught his deaf and dumb schol- 
ars the meaning of#he word angry, by repre- 
senting the looks and conduct of an angry man. 

to act in the place of another. 

Two persons were sent to the Legislature, 
to represent the inhabitants of the town. 

He was. for many years a representative in 
Congress. 

Re pn'eve, v. a. to put off to a future 
time the execution of one who is 
sentenced to death. 

Re proach, v. a. to blame one severe- 
ly as having acted in a shameful 
manner. 

The son reproached the father for having 
led him, by his example, to become intem- 
perate. 

Rep tile, n. an animal that creeps on 
many feet, or moves along as a 
snake does. 

Re pulse, n. a driving back and keep- 
ing off. 

He fsked a favor of one whom he had of- 
ten obliged, and was grieved to meet with so 
unkind a repulse. 



RES 



177 



RES 



Rep u ta tion, n. the being well spo- 
ken of by others, a good name. 

He said it was cruel to circulate so false a 
report about him, as he had nothing but his 
reputation to depend upon, 
what is generally thought and said of 
a man. 

His reputation was so bad, that he could 
find no one who would employ him. 

Re quire, v. a. to ask or claim, as if 
one had a right to do so. 

The father was careful to require no more 
work of his young son than he was able to 
perform. 

to make necessary, to need. 

The physician said, the case of the sick 
man would require a great deal of examina- 
tion before he could give an opinion about it. 

Res cue, v. a. to deliver from some 
violence, danger, or other evil. 

A young man rushed into the house, which 
was on fire, and rescued two children from 
the flames. 

Re sent, v. a. for one to show strong 
displeasure or anger against what 
he considers as ill treatment. 

He resented the attack upon his friend's 
character, with as much indignation as if it 
had been made upon his own. 

Re serve, v. a. to keep back, Or lay 
up a thing for the future, or for 
some particular purpose. 

The farmer told his sons while they were 
husking the corn, to pick out the best ears 
and reserve them for seed. 

He said it was so late that he should re- 
serve what he had to say till the next meet- 
ing. • 

Re served, a. not telling one's 
thoughts and feelings. 

He is sociable on most subjects, but with 
regard to his own concerns, very reserved. 

We say of a man who is very little dis- 
posed to talk, that he is a reserved man. 

12 



Re sTg-n, v. a. to give up or to give 
back a thing. 

He resigned the office of post-master, not 
wishing to hold it any longer. 

to submit without resistance or com- 
plaint. . # 

He felt that God ordered all things right 
and well, and was resigned to his condi- 
tion. 

Res o hi tion, n. fixed purpose or de- 
termination. 

He formed a resolution to rise at five in the 
morning, and spend an hour in study. 

the being firm, steady, and coura- 
geous in doing something. 

She was a woman of great resolution, and 
when she was alone in the house with her 
children, and a party of Indians attacked it, 
she succeeded in defending it till the neigh- 
bors came to her relief. 

Re s51ve, v. n. to form a fixed pur- 
pose or determination. 

He resolved that he would never speak of 
the faults of any one, unless some good was 
to lie done by it. 

Re sort, v. n. to go to a place. 

Our Saviour often resorted with his disci- 
ples to the garden of Gethsemane. 

to go to for aid. 

During the French revolution, Louis Phi- 
lippe, the present king of France, was driven 
from his country, and resorted for a while to 
the business of teaching, to gel _ support. 

Re spect, v. a. to have a good opin- 
ion of, to set a high value upon 
worth or good qualities. 

He is an old man, and very much respected 
by all who know him, for his benevolence, 
wisdom, and strict integrity. 

to relate to. 

He gave the young man much good advice 
respecting his future conduct. 

Re spon si ble, a. liable to be called 
to account for what one does or 



RES 178 

engages to do, and meet the con- 
sequences. 

Those who take boons from a library are 
responsible for their being returned in good 
condition. 

The father said he would be responsible for 
• the payment of the debt, if his son did not pay 
it within six months. 

able to discharge an obligation. 

He told the merchant the man was respon- 
sible to the amount of a thousand dollars, and 
even more, and might be safely trusted. 

Re store, v. a. to bring back what 
has been taken away or lost. 

John found a pocket-book in the street, and 
took great pains to restore it to its owner. 

to bring or take back to a former state 
or condition. 

Our Saviour often restored hearing to the 
deaf and sight to the blind. 

Re strain, v. a. to hold or keep back. 

The sight was so ludicrous, that he could 
not restrain his laughter. 

to check. 

While the strangers were present he some- 
what restrained his grief, but when they with- 
drew he wept bitterly. 

He disregarded all the commands of his 
father and acted without restraint. 

Re suit, n. that which follows as • a 
consequence from certain things 
which have happened, or have 
been said or done. 

A useless manhood and a wretched old 
age, was the result of his youthful follies. 

conclusion or determination. 

A committee of the Legislature held sev- 
eral meetings on the subject of building a new 
State House, and the result was, that they 
made a report against doing any thing at that 
time. 

Re sume, v. a. to take or begin again. 

She rose to receive the company, and then 
resumed her seat. 
He left the office of judge, which he held 



REV 



for several years, and resumed the practice of 
law. 
Re tal i ate, v. a. to return evil for 
evil. 

James did wrong in retaliating the injury 
which Henry had done to his kite, by break- 
ing Henry's hoop. 

Re tard, v. a. to make to go slower. 

The snow on the rail-road retarded the 
cars, and they did not arrive till two hours 
after the time. ' , 

to delay, to put off. 

His return home was retarded several 
weeks by sickness. x 

Re tneve, v. a. to make good again, t 
to make up a loss, to restore to a 
former good state. 

He encouraged the young man to reform, 
by telling him that it was not too late to re- 
trieve his character. 

Re veal, v. a. to make a thing known 
which was not known before. 

It was very disgraceful in him to reveal the 
secret which he had promised to keep. 

for God to make something known to 
men. 

God has revealed his will to us in the Bible. 

While there are so many heathen, we 
should be thankful that we live in a Christian 
land, and enjoy the light of Revelation. 

Re venge, n. the returning of an in- 
jury with malicious feelings. 

He was too good and great a man to take 
any revenge upon his enemies. 

Rev e rence, n. a high respect min- 
gled with fear. 

A dutiful child will always show by his 
conduct that he feel§ a deep reverence for his 
parents. 

We should never think or speak of God but 
with great reverence. 

Re verse, n. the opposite side of a 
thing. — a change in one's affairs 
usually for the worse 



RID 



179 



ROU 



He met with a sad reverse of fortune, and 
bore it with great patience. 

Re view', (re vu,) v. a. to look back, 
or over again, with care. 

He reviewed' the manuscript several times 
before it was published. 

He reviewed his past life, and finding many 
things wrong in it, resolved to amend his con- 
duct. 

Re vile, v. a. to use reproachful and 
abusive language towards another. 

When Christ was reviled, he reviled not 
again. ^ 

Re vive, v. n. and a. to come, or bring, 
to life again. 

The dead man, when he was put into the 
tomb of Elisha, and touched his bones, re- 
vived. 

to regain, or give, new life and vigor. 

When Jacob saw the wagons which Joseph 
sent to carry him and his family into Egypt, 
his spirit revived. 

Re volt, v. n. for a nation, or body of 
people, to renounce the authority 
of the government. 

Syphax, king of Numidia, revolted from the 
Romans and joined the Carthaginians. He 
was defeated by Massinissa, an African king, 
and died in prison at Rome, 201 years before 
Christ. 

Rev o lu tion, n. motion of a body 
either round an axis, or a fixed 
point; as the revolution of a wheel, 
or of the earth round the sun. 

the course of any thing which comes 
back to the point from which it 
began to move. 

The revolution of the seasons brings in suc- 
cession, every year, spring, summer, autumn, 
and winter. 

We call a very great change in the govern, 
ment or affairs of a country, — or in the opin- 
ions or feelings of men, — a revolution. 

Rid i cule, v. ai to laugh at, or expose 



to be laughed at, in a contemptu- 
ous manner. 

Persevere in doing right, though the foolish 
or the wicked may ridicule you. 

Ri die u lous, a. deserving or exci- 
ting laughter or contempt. 

He'made himself ridiculous by refusing to 
associate with some of his school-mates, be- 
cause his father was richer than theirs. 

Ri ot, n. the noise and violence of 
several persons assembled for mis- 
chief. 

It was found necessary to call out the sol- 
diers to quell the riot. 

noisy feasting and mirth. 

Some wild young men had a supper at a 
tavern, and the riot was so great that they 
disturbed the whole neighborhood. 

Rite,* n. a fixed way of performing a 
religious, or other solemn service. 

The ancient Jews celebrated the, passover 
with many rites. 

Ri val, n. one who is striving for that ' 
for which another is also striving. 

Cicero and Hortensius lived at Rome at 
the same time, and both aime'd to be distin- 
guished orators. They were rivals. 

Ro bust, a. having great strength and 
health, of good bodily size, and ca- 
pable of enduring much labor and 
exposure. 

The ancient Romans were a robust race of 
men. 

Rote, n. a mere repeating of words 
without attending to or knowing 
the meaning. 

Parrots can be taught to say many things 
by rote. 

When a person learns tunes by t^e ear and 
can sirtg .them, without understanding the 
rules of music, we say he sings by rote. 

Rout, v. a. to overcome and throw 
into confusion, to put to flight. 



SAC 



180 



SAL 



The troops for a time resisted bravely the 
attack of the enemy, but at length were rout- 
ed and driven from the field. 

Roy' al, a. belonging, or suitable, to 
a king. 

Rude, a. coarse and rough in man- 
ners. 

He was so rude that he rushed into the 
stage-coach before the ladies, and without as- 
sisting them to get in. 

coarsely and roughly made. 

The missionary made a table and some 
chairs for his family, which answered very 
well though the workmanship was rude. 

We call a people or nation, rude, who have 
no books, but little knowledge of the arts, and 
few of the comforts and conveniences of life. 

Ru in, v. a. to demolish or destroy 
utterly, so that it cannot be restored 
again. 

The severe frost ruined the early peas. 

The numerous frauds which he committed 
ruined his character. 

It is often said, when a man loses all his 
property, that he is ruined. 

Ru mor, n. something told from one 
to another, and spread abroad, 
without any one's being certain 
that it is true. 

There was a rumor, yesterday, throughout 
the city, of the loss of the steamboat, but to- 
day it is contradicted, and nobody believes it. 

Ru. ral, a. belonging or suited to the 
country. 

He was so fond of rural life, that he sold 
his beautiful house in the city, and removed 
to a farm in the neighborhood of a small vil- 
lage. 

s. 

Qack, vPa. to take possession of a 
^ city or town by violence, and plun- 
der it. 



In the year 385 before Christ, the Gauls, 
under Brennus, took the city of Rome, sack- 
ed, and burned it. 

Sa cred, a. set apart for the service 
of God. 

The Sabbath is a day of sacred rest. 

used for a religious .purpose, or rela- 
ting to religion. 

The cultivation of sacred music should 
form a part of the education of youth. 

to be kept with peculiar care and 
never violated. 

The signers of the declaration of American 
Independence, pledged in support of it their 
lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. 

Sac ri fice, (saV rifize,) v. a. to offer 
up to the true God, or to false 
gods. 

The faith of Abraham was so strong, that 
he was willing to sacrifice his only son. 

to destroy, or give up, something for 
the sake of something else. 

She sacrificed her own life, in trying to 
save her child from. the flames. 

Sa ga cious, a. quick in smelling, as 
some dogs are. — quick to find out 
difficult or obscure things. 

An Indian is very sagacious in discovering 
the track of a deer or enemy. 

Sage, n. a wise and grave man. 

Solon, who gave laws to the Athenians, 
was a distinguished sage, and one of the sever, 
* wise men of Greece. He died 558 years be 
fore Christ. t 

Sal a xy,?i. a fixed allowance for ser 
vices, usually by the year. 

The salary of the President of the United 
States is 25,000 dollars a year. 

Sal ly, n. a rushing out of troops from 
any place, to attack the enemy. 

The troops made a sudden sally from the 
fort during the night, and took a large num- 
ber of the enemy prisoners. 



SAN 



181 



SAR 



a sudden expression of thought or 
feeling ; as a sally of humor, a 
sally of passion. 

Sa lu bri ous, a. wholesome, promo- 
ting health. 

The mountain air was very salubrious to the 
invalid. 

Sal u ta ry, a. contributing to health 
or safety, advantageous. 

The traveller found the precaution of tak- 
ing a guide very salutary, for if he had not 
done it he would have perished in the snow 
storm. 

Sal va tion, n. the being kept safe, 
or delivered, from any danger or 
evil, especially from the future 
punishment due to sin. 

When the Egyptians were pursuing the Is- 
raelites near the Red Sea, " Moses said unto 
the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see 
the salvation of the Lord, which he will show 
to you to-day: for the Egyptians- whom ye 
have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no 
more forever." ■ 

Sane ti fy, v. a. to cleanse from sin, 
to make holy. 

Christ prayed for his disciples, " Sanctify 
them through thy truth, thy word is truth." 

to set apart for the service of God. 

" God blessed the seventh day and sancti- 
fied it." 

We say, that afflictions are sanctified to a 
person, when they become the means of mak- 
ing him holy. 

Sane tion, v. a. for those who have 
the proper authority, to make a 
thing binding. 

The President and Senate of the United 
States sanctioned the treaty with Great Bri- 
tain. # 

to give support or strength to, by 
what one says or does, or by the 
force of example or custom. 



The scholar was in the wrong, and the 
teacher threatened to punish him ; but his 
father sanctioned his misconduct by taking- 
him from the school. • ' 

Sane tu a ry, n. a place for worship. 
— a place of refuge. 

In ancient times, criminals often fled to 
the temples as a sanctuary from justice. 

Sane, a. sound in body, having per- 
fect health. — sound in mind, in 
possession of reason, not deranged. 

San' gui na ry, (sang gwe na ry,) a. 
bloody. 

The battle of Borodino, fought between the 
French and the Russians, in the year 1812, 
was very sanguinary. Fifty thousand men 
were left dead on the field. 

exceedingly cruel. 

The laws of Draco, a distinguished Athe- 
nian, who lived 643 years before Christ, were 
so sanguinary that they were said to be writ- 
ten in blood. 

blood-thirsty. 

Caracalla, a Roman emperor, who was 
assassinated 217 years after Christ, was a 
sanguinary tyrant. He murdered his own 
brother, and when the celebrated lawyer Pa- 
pinian, who was called upon to defend the 
deed, refused, saying that the murder of a 
brother was a thing much more easily done 
than vindicated, Caracalla ordered him to be 
put to death. 

San' guine, (sang gwin,) a. ardent. 
His disposition is sanguine ; he feels quick 
and shows his feelings strongly. 

confident of success. 

He was so sanguine that he always expect- 
ed things would happen according to his 
wishes, even when there was little or no rea- 
son for thinking so. 

Sar casm, n. a keen and contemptu- 
ous reproach. 

His feelings were much wounded by the 
unjustifiable sarcasm. 

A sarcastic man will be both feared and 
hated. 



SAT 



182 



SCE 



Sa tiate, v. a. to fill to the full, to 
gratify so that no more is de- 
sired. 

The boy climbed the tree and ate the cher- 
ries till he had satiated his appetite. 

to fill or gratify to excess so as to 
cloy. 

The children found some honey in the 
woods, and so satiated themselves with it 
that it began to be unpleasant to the taste. 

Sat' Ire, n. something written or spo- 
ken, to ceiisure folly or vice. 

Juvenal was a distinguished Roman writer 
of satire. He died 128 years after Christ. 

Sa tir i cal, a. full of satire, censuring 
with severity. 

He is so satirical, that it often seems as if 
he would rather run the risk of losing a friend 
than not show his own wit. 

Sat is fac tion, n. the being content- 
ed or pleased. 

He takes great satisfaction in the company 
of his children. 

the making amends. 

He made him satisfaction for the injury he 
had done his book. 

the payment of a debt. 

He received one hundred dollars in full 
satisfaction of all his demands. 

the being convinced. 

He showed that he was right to the satis- 
faction of all present. 

Sat is fy, v. a, to do, or give, as much 
as is asked, needed, desired, or 
due. 

He told his neighbor he would satisfy him 
for the use of the wagon. 

He gave the poor man food, and satisfied 
his hunger. 

" The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor 
the ear with hearing." 

He has property enough to satisfy the claim 
of all his creditors. 

to convince. 



The father, after hearing his son's account 
of the matter, was satisfied that he had done 
fright 
Sawn ter, v. n. to wander about idly. 

The company spent an hour sauntering in 
the fields. 

to loiter. 

He sauntered so much in going to school, 
that he was very late. 
Sav age, a. wild, ferocious. 

Lions, wolves, and bears, are savage beasts. 

exceedingly cruel. 

The Indians, in tormenting the prisoners 
which they take in war, show a very savage 
disposition. 

uncivilized. 

The inhabitants of some of the South Sea 
Islands are still savages, and devour human 
flesh. 

Scale, v. a. to climb the walls of a 
fortified place. 

The troops came silently in the night, and 
with their ladders scaled the walls of the city. 

Scan, v. a. to examine very closely 
and carefully. 

If we wish to know ourselves, we should 
often scan the motives of our conduct. 

Scan dal, n. talking against the char- 
acter of others. 

He who talks scandal to you about others, 
will talk scandal to others about you. 

great disgrace. 

His conduct was so bad that it brought 
scandal upon his whole family. 

The cheating of the poor widow out of hei 
property, was a most scaiidalous affair. 

Scene, n. the different things taken 
together which are seen at one 
view. 

As we looked over the country from the top 
of the mountain, a delightful scene was- 
spread before J>s. 

the place where any thing happens 
or is done. 



SGI 



183 



SCR 



Jerusalem has been the scene of the most 
interesting and wonderful events. 

Seen er y, n. the different things 
which are seen at one view, taken 
either separately or together. 

They admired the beautiful scenery, as 
they passed up the river in the steamboat. 

Scheme, (skeme,) n. the combination 
and arrangement of various things 
for some particular purpose. 

Any one who visits his school, will soon 
perceive that his scheme both of teaching and 
governing is a good one. 

something to be made or accomplish- 
ed, with the plan for doing it. 

He had a scheme for supplying the city 
with water from a spring which was several 
miles distant. 

Sci ence, n. A person may learn from 
a book what music is, and the 
rules for singing, or playing on a 
musical instrument, without being 
able either to sing or play. He 
may thus be acquainted with the 
science of music, and not be skilled 
at all in the art. In the same way 
he may study about navigation, and 
learn its rules, without being able 
to navigate a ship. He may un- 
derstand the science of navigation, 
and yet be ignorant of the art. 
Science, then, is the collection and 
arrangement of the general truths 
and rules which relate to any par- 

• ticular subject; as the science of 
astronomy, the science of botany, 
the science of law, the science of 
medicine 



Scoff, v. n. to treat with abusive ridi- 
cule. 

Never choose him for your friend who 
scoffs at religion. 

Scorn, v. a. to regard with very great 
.contempt. 

Job, in his afflictions and poverty, com- 
plained that his friends scorned him. 
Scout, n. one sent out to get informa- 
tion about the movements of an 
enemy. 
Screen, v. a. to hide, cover, or shelter. 

He carried a large umbrella to screen him 
from the rays of the sun. 

He sent the man privately out of town who 
had committed the theft, and screened him 
from punishment. 

Scribe, n. one whose business it is to 
do writing. 

The scribes among the Jews were em- 
ployed in copying the Scriptures, and in teach- 
ing them to the people. 
Scroll, 7i. a writing rolled up. 

The scroll handed in to the Legislature was 
a very large one, and contained a petition 
signed by several thousand persons. 

Scru pie, v. n. to hesitate about some- 
thing lest it may not be right or 
proper. 

He scrupled to receive the contribution 
which his friends made to relieve him under 
his losses, because he had considerable prop- 
erty left. 

He was so scrupulous and fearful of doing 
what might be considered improper, that 
sometimes it made him very undecided in his 
conduct 

Scru' ti nize, v. a. to look into a thing 
very carefully, in order to find out 
all about it. 

They scrutinized the conduct of the stran- 
ger, to ascertain what his object was in stay 
ing so long in the village. 



SEC 



184 



SEC 



Sculp ture, n. the art of carving wood 
or stone into images, or of engrav- 
ing. — The carved work itself is 
also called sculpture. 

Scur ri lous, a. using very low, inde- 
cent, or abusive language. 

Never let a scurrilous person provoke you 
to make a reply. 

very low, indecent, or abusive. 

He showed his ill breeding by his scurril- 
ous jokes. 

Sear, v. a. to burn or heat, so as to 
make dry and hard. 

The hot sand seared the feet of the traveller. 
Paul says of those who have become so 
wicked as to have little or no feeling with re- 
gard to what is right or wrong, that their con- 
science is seared with a hot iron. 
Sea son, n. a suitable, customary, or 
appointed time. 

Boys who study and work, need also a 
season for play. 

a time of short continuance. 

Paul told Elymas, that he should be blind 
for a season. 

one of the four parts of the year. 

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter make 
up the four seasons. 

We say a thing is seasonable when it is in 
good time. 
Se cede, v. n. for one to quit his con- 
nection with those with whom he 
has been united in opinion or ac- 
tion. 

He seceded from his party because he did 
not like some things which they had done, 
and joined the opposite side. 

Se elude, v. a. to shut out and sepa- 
rate from. 

In Eastern countries it is the custom to 
seclude women from the society of men. 

The village was secluded from the cold 
winds by a range of high mountains. 



Sec ond, v. a. to encourage, to help 
forward. 

Several persons seconded the efforts of the 
intemperate man to reform, by treating him 
kindly and furnishing him with employment. 

Sec re ta ry, n. one who does writing 
for an individual, or for a public 
body. 

He was chosen secretary of the society, 
and kept a faithful record of all its proceed- 
ings. 

an officer of the government who 
manages a particular part of the 
public business ; as the Secretary 
of State, the Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, the Secretary of the Navy. 

Se crete, v. a. to conceal from the 
notice or knowledge of others. 

The charter granted by king Charles II. to 
the Colony of Connecticut, and which his 
agent attempted to seize and carry away, was 
secreted for a while in a large oak-tree in the 
city of Hartford. The tree is still standing, 
and is called the Charter Oak. 

Sect, n. a body of men who are uni- 
ted in the opinions which they hold, 
especially with regard to morals 
and religion. 

The two principal sects among the* 'Jews, 
in our Saviour's time, were the Pharisees 
and Sadducees. 

Sec tion, n. a part divided from the 
rest. 

One section of the city was on low, marshy 
ground, and was unhealthy. 

a small and distinct part of a writing 
or book. 

The chapter was divided into eight sections". 

Sec u lar, a. relating not to heaven 
or religious concerns, but to the 
things of this world. 
While we should not neglect our secular 






SEN 



affairs, we should keep in mind that we have 
a soul which is to live forever. 

Se cure, a. free from the danger of 
being taken or entered. 

The castle was secure against the enemy. 
It stood on a high rock, and there was only- 
one entrance to it, which was well guarded. 

free from danger, safe. 

While the inhabitants of the world were 
drowning, Noah and his family were secure 
in the ark. 
feeling free from danger. 

The enemy were so secure that they had 
neglected to set a guard, and were surprised 
and destroyed. 

We say that a man is secure of a thing, 
when he is sure of getting it. % 

Se date, a. calm, undisturbed. 

Though his looks and manners are sedate, 
he has a cheerful, happy disposition. 

Se di' tion, (se dish un,) n. arising up 
against the authority of the gov- 
ernment. 

Paul was falsely accused by Tertullus 
before Felix, of being a mover of sedition 
among the Jews. 

Se duce, v. a. to draw away from 
what is right to what is wrong. 

He was a lovely youth and a great comfort 
to his parents, till bad companions seduced 
him to join them in their wicked practices. 

Se lect, v. a. to choose out of several. 

There were so many interesting books, 
that he hardly knew which to select as a pres- 
ent to his friend. 

Sen ate, n. A body or council of some 
of the principal men in a city, or 
country, assembled to make laws 
and consult for the public good. — 
In the United States this word de- 
notes one branch of the Legisla- 
ture. 

Sen sa tion, n. A person feels hungry, 



185 SEN 

that is, he has the sensation of 
hunger. He feels cold, or has the 
sensation of cold. He has painful 
feelings or sensations. He has 
agreeable feelings or sensations. 
Sense, n. We see things with the eye, 
our faculty of doing this is called 
the sense of sight. We hear sounds 
with the ear, our faculty of doing 
this is called the sense of hearing. 
We have also the sense of smell, 
of taste, and of touch. 

We call that person a man of sense who un- 
derstands things readily and clearly, and has 
a good judgment. 

When a person does not see and feel what 
is proper, we say he has no sense of propriety. 

The sense of what is said, or written, is its 
meaning. 

Sen si bil i ty, n. quickness and del- 
icacy of feeling. 

The eye has so much sensibility, that it is 
very painful to look directly at the sun. 

She had a tender heart and a keen sensi- 
bility, but she never shrunk back from the 
relief of the wretched. 

Sen sible, a. capable of feeling. 

He has lived many years in the West In- 
dies, and is very sensible to the cold of a 
northern winter. 

He was very sensible to the reproof, and 
much affected by it. 

convinced of a thing. 

He said he was sensible of his mistake, 
and would correct it. 

understanding things quickly and 
clearly, and having a good judg- 
ment. 

He is a sensible man, and much confidence 
is placed in his opinion. 

Sen si tive, a. having quick and deli 
cate feeling. 



SER 



186 



SHO 



The sensitive plant shrinks back from the 
touch and closes its leaves. 

He is so sensitive with regard to the death 
of his sister, that he cannot bear to have it 
alluded to. 

Sen tence, n. a determination or de- 
cision respecting some person or 
thing. 

The sentence which the judge pronounced 
upon the criminal, was, that he should be 
sent to the State's prison for life. 

We call a number of words so arranged as 
to make complete sense, and followed by a 
period, a sentence. 

Sen ti ment, n. what one thinks about 
persons or things. 

He expressed his sentiments on the sub- 
ject in a very impressive manner. 

feeling. . .. , / 

He cherished warm sentiments of grati- 
tude towards his benefactor. 

Sen ti nel, n. one who is set to watch* 
against surprise or danger. 

Se quel, n. a concluding part; as the 
sequel of a story. — a distinct part 
following something else. 

He published a sequel to his book of trav- 
els, giving an account of his visit to the same 
country a few years afterwards. 

Se rene, a. clear and calm ; as a se- 
rene sky, a serene day. — calm and 
'undisturbed ; as a serene mind, a 
serene temper, serene looks. 

Se ri ous, a. not trifling or mirthful, 
thoughtful, considerate. 

As he walked in the grave-yard, and re- 
flected on the shortness of human life, he 
felt very serious. 

meaning as one says, being in earn- 
est. 

In asking his friend to accompany him to 
Europe, he said he was serious, and very far 
from any thing like jesting. 



important. 

It is a serious matter for a young man to 
choose his employment for life. 

Ses sion, n. a meeting and sitting of 
a court, legislature, or other body 
of men for the transaction of busi- 
ness. 

The Senate are 'now in session, and will 
probably adjourn at twelve o'clock. 

the whole time between the coming 
together of such a body and its 
breaking up. 

The Legislature of Connecticut has one 
session a year, alternately at Hartford and 
New Haven. 

Se vere, a. not mild, harsh. 

His manner of reproving his children was 
severe, and they stood in constant fear of him. 

making no allowance for faults or er- 
rors, demanding exact obedience. 

He was very severe in discipline, and pun- 
ished a soldier with death for writing a letter 
to his wife by candle-light, in violation of an 
order to have no lights in the camp. 

inflicting excessive suffering. 

The penalty for stealing a horse in England, 
is very severe. It is death. 

very distressing, violent ; as a severe 

head-ache, a severe storm. 
Sher iff, n. an officer in each county 

whose duty it is to execute the 

laws. 
Shield, v. a. to defend against harm 

or danger. 
The hen covered her chickens with her 

wings, and shielded them against the hawk. 

Shore v n. a prop or support. 

The branch of the tree was so loaded with 
peaches, that they put a shore under it to 
keep it from breaking. 

that portion of land which borders 
on the sea, a lake, or great river. 



SIG 



187 



SIM 



Shrewd, (shrud,) a. sly, cunning. 

An impostor borrowed a gold-headed cane 
of a gentleman, to punish a man who had 
been begging money, and who, he said, pre- 
tended to be lame. He pursued the beggar, 
and both ran off with the money and the cane. 
It was a shrewd trick. 

quick and accurate in observing. 

He was a shrewd man, and soon found out the 
artful rogue who had deceived many others. 

Shrine, n. a box or case in which 

something very valuable or sacred 

is deposited. 
Szege, n. the surrounding or blocking 

up a place with soldiers in order 

to take it. 

After a siege of seven months, Alexander 
the Great took, the city of Tyre and levelled 
it with the ground. 

Sign, n. something \^iich shows that 
something else exists, or will fol- 
low it. 

The wind has come round into the north- 
west, and it is a sign of fair weather. 

'a look or motion intended to mean 
something. 

He made a sign for silence by putting his 
fore -finger on his lips. 

a miracle. 

After Christ's ascension, many signs were 
done by the apostles. 
Sig nal, n. something employed to 
give notice, or the notice itself. 

The shipwrecked sailors hoisted a hand- 
kerchief on a pole', as a signal that they need- 
ed relief. 

Sig nal, a. very worthy of notice, re- 
markable. 

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah 
was a signal example of the displeasure of 
God against sin. 

Sig' nal Ize, v. a. to make a person or 
thing remarkable. 



Captain James Cook, a celebrated naviga 
tor, signalized himself by his discoveries ot 
islands in the South Seas. He was kihed 
at Oahu, one of these islands, by the natives, 
on the 14th of February, 1779. 

Sig nif i cant, a. having a meaning. 

His looks were so significant, and well 
understood by the scholars, that he often gov- 
erned them in this way without saying a word. 

showing that something else exists, 
or willfollow it. 

The rumbling noise of a volcano, is often 
: , significant of an eruption. 

Sig ni fy, v. a. to make known by 
some sign, or bywords. 

The taking down of the flag in the ship, 
signified that it surrendered to the enemy. 

When Jacob was about to die, he signified 
to his children Ms wish to be buried in the 
cave of Machpelah, near Hebron in Canaan. 

to mean. 

Sol in Latin, signifies Sun in English. 

There is nothing gained by trying to teach 
a child the signification of one word by anoth- 
er which is equally difficult. 

When we say, that a man's attempts to ac- 
complish an object will signify nothing, we 
mean that they will be of no use. 

Sim pie, a. not mingled or united 
with any thing else. 

He uses nothing but simple water as his 
constant drink. 

He said he had nothing to gain for himself 
in the matter, but gave them his advice from 
a simple desire to do them good. 

free from all art, plain. 

Although a learned man, he was as simple 
in his feelings as a child. 

True greatness of mind is always accom 
panied with simplicity of character. 

We call that a simple dress which is plain, 
having^ttle or no ornament, — and those man 
ners simple which are artless and unaffected. 
— By a simple man we sometimes mean a man 
of weak mind. 

Sim pli fy, v. a. to make a thing con 
sist of fewer parts. 



SKE 



188 



SOA 



He simplified the machine very much by 
taking away many of the wheels, and making 
the movements \es.s numerous and intricate. 

to make a thing easy to be understood. 

The teacher in the Sunday School while 
addressing the younger children, took great 
pains to simplify his instructions. 

Sin cere, a. without disguise, being 
what it appears to be, true, real. 

When we need aid, we shall find who are 
our sincere friends. 

Prayer, in order to be acceptable to God, 
must be sincere. 

He is so upright, that none can doubt the 
sincerity of his opinions, howe\ r er much they 
may differ from him. 

Sin' gu lar, (sing gu lar,) a. one, not 
two or more. 

Wheat is a word used only in the singular 
number. 

not happening often, unusual. 

His forgetting his own name, was a singu- 
lar instance of the loss of memory. 

odd, differing from others. 

His dress and manners are so singular, that 
they attract the notice of every one as he 
passes in the streets. 

Sit u a tion, n. the place in which a 
person or thing is, with regard to 
other persons or things, either for 
good or for evil. 

The situation of Gibraltar at the entrance 
into the Mediterranean sea, makes it a place 
of great importance to the British. 

He found his situation as librarian very 
favorable to the improvement of his mind. 

Sketch, v. a. to draw the general ap- 
pearance or figure of a thing, 

The view was so fine that tire tr 
stopped to sketch it. 

to give some of the most important 
and striking particulars. 

He sketched the plan of an address which 
he expected to deliver in the evening. 



traveller 



Skill, n. the knowing how things 
ought to be done and the being 
able to do them easily and well. 

His reputation for skill as a surgeon is so: 
great, that he is sent for from a distance to 
perform difficult operations. 

Skir mish, n. a slight contest between 
two armies or parts of armies. 

After several skirmishes, the two armies 
met and fought a hard battle. 

Slan der, n. a telling of falsehoods 
about another with an intention to 
injure his character. 

" He that uttereth a slander is a fool." 

Slauo-A ter, n. a killing, a great and 
violent destruction of life. 

There has been much less slaughter in 1 
tie since the invention of gunpowder than 
there was before.^ 

Sloth ful, a. inactive, not liking to 
move or to labor. 

" I went by the field of the slothful, and by 
the vineyard of the man void of understanding, 
and lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and 
nettles had covered the face thereof." 

Slug gard, n. an inactive, lazy person. 
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and 
hath nothing." 

It was a muddy sluggish stream, and w r e 
floated down it only a mile in four hQurs. 

Smug gle, v. a. to bring goods into 
a country, or to carry them out of 
it, secretly, and contrary to law, or 
without paying the duties. 

A great deal of opium has been smuggled 
into China. 

Sneer, v. n. to show contempt by the 
looks, or by some insinuation. 

He was afraid to be seen reading his Bible, 
lest his wicked companions . should sneer at 
him. 

Soar, v. n. to fly high in the air. 

Though the lark, soared so high, she did not 
forget her nest and little ones on the ground. 



soc 



189 



SOL 



to rise high in thought or feeling. 

The desires of the Christian soar above this 
world. 
So ber, a. not under the influence of 
intoxicating drinks. — not deranged, 
nor under the influence of pas- 
sion. 

He acted so much like a crazy man, that 
they thought he could hardly be in his sober 
senses. 

He said he had deliberated much on the en- 
terprise, and in his sober judgment they had 
better not undertake it. 

serious in thought or in looks. 

The reproof which his father gave him in 
the morning, made him feel and appear sober 
during the whole day. 

He is always cheerful and happy, although 
there is much sobriety in his deportment. 

So cial, a. relating to men living to- 
gether in society or to the public 
at large. 

To be honest, to obey the laws, and to pro- 
mote the welfare of our country, are social 
duties. 

The neighbors met frequently at 'each 
other's houses, and enjoyed much social in- 
tercourse. 

fond of mingling in company with 
others. 

He was very social in his feelings, and after 
getting through the business of the day, took 
great delight in conversing with his friends. 

So ci e ty, n. a number of persons 
united for some common purpose, 
and having common interests. 

Men could not live together in society with- 
out government and laws. 

a body of men united and acting to- 
gether for a particular purpose ; as 
a Bible Society. 

company. 

We spent an hour very agreeably in his so- 
ciety. 



So journ, v. n. to live for a while in a 
place without expecting to settle 
there. 

Abraham went down and sojourned in 
Egypt during a famine in Canaan. 

Sol ace, v. a. to relieve or * cheer in 
trouble or affliction. 

The little boy tried to solace the grief of 
his mother, by saying that he should soon be 
able to take care of her, as his older brother 
did who had just died. 
So lar, a. belonging or relating to the 
sun ; as solar light, a solar eclipse. 
Sol emn, a. having, or producing, very 
grave and serious feelings. 

The church was dressed in black, and as 
he entered it his mind became solemn. 

The husband and wife were both buried in 
the same grave. It was'a solemn scene. 

He appealed to God, and declared, in the 
most solemn manner, that what he said was 
true. . 

£o lem ni ty, n. a religious cere- 
mony. 

When the body of Napoleon was carried 
from St. Helena to Paris and buried there, 
the funeral solemnities were very grand and 
striking. 

deep seriousness. 

The solemnity of the dying father in giving 
his last, ad vice to his children, impressed it 
strongly on their minds. 

So lie' it, (so lis sit,) v. a. to ask ear- 
nestly. 

He solicited his father to let him attend the 
lectures on astronomy ; but he was so young 
that his father did not think it best to yield to 
his solicitation. 

So lie' i tous, (so lis si tus,) a. very 
earnest to get something. 

He knew it would please his father, and he 
was very solicitous to obtain the highest 
prize at school. 

anxious. 



sou 

The physician was so solicitous about his 
patient who was very sick, that he spent the 
whole night with him. 

There is great solicitude about the safety of 
the ship, as she has not been heard of since 
she sailed. 

Sol i ta ry, a. living alone. 

Some animals herd cogether, while others 
lead a solitary life, as the lion and tiger. 

She had plenty of books and a taste for 
reading, and found her solitude not unpleas- 
ant. 

away from others, retired. 

The house was solitary. It stood on the 
top of a mountain, many miles distant from 
any other dwelling. 

single, only one. # 

The enemy set fire to the village, and but 
a solitary building was left standing. 

Soothe, v. a. to allay or calm, by kind 
words or treatment ; as to soothe 
pain, to soothe grief, to soothe an- 
ger. | 

Sor did, a. dirty, filthy ; as a sordid 
dress. — low, vile. 

He belongs to a respectable family, but has 
ruined his character by abandoning himself to 
the most sordid vices. 

niggardly. 

Though rich, he was so sordid that he 
would do the meanest things to get a little 
money. 

Sowl, n. that something within us 
which thinks, feels, and wills ; 
which distinguishes between what 
is true and false, right and wrong, 
and which will live forever. — a hu- 
man, being. 

The ship foundered, and every soul on 

board perished. 

Sound, v. n. or a. to make a noise. — 

to try how deep the water is, 

and what kind of ground is at the 



190 



SPE 



bottom, by sinking lead at the end 
of a line. 

Sov' er eign, (suv er in,) a. highest 
in power or authority. 

The sovereign ruler in Turkey, is called 
the Sultan. , 

We call that which never fails to cure a 
disease, a sovereign remedy. 

Spa cious, a. not narrow or confined, 
having room enough. 

The new school-house is very convenient. 
The rooms are spacious and well ventilated. 

vast in extent ; as the spacious ocean. 
Spe' cial, (spesh al,) a. particular. 

He said his special reason for calling so 
early in the morning, was to ask him to visit 
a poor neighbor who was sick. 

extraordinary. 

There was a special session of the Con- 
gress of the United States in the summer of 
1841. 

Spe' cie, (spe she,) n. coined money; 
as gold eagles, silver dollars, cop- 
per cents. 

Spec' i fy, (spes se fy,) v. a. to name 
or state particularly. 

He said the picture had several faults, 
which he would specify one by one. 

Spec' i men, (spes i men,) n. a sam- 
ple ; one thing, or a part of a thing, 
which is exhibited to show what 
the whole is. 

He told the farmer, he would buy ten bar- 
rels of his apples, if the bushel which had 
been brought was a fair specimen of the rest. * 

Spe' cious, (spe shus,) a, appearing 
well at first view, but perhaps not 
true or right. 

He told him his account of the matter was 
very specious, but he must examine the other 
side before he could form an opinion. 

Spec ta cle, n. something of a strik- 



SPI 



191 



SPO 



ing or affecting kind exhibited to 
the view. 

The eruption of a volcano at night is a sub- 
lime spectacle. 

It was an interesting spectacle to see the 
blind pupils, at the examination, reading the 
Bible with their fingers. 

Spec u la tion, n. an attentive view 
of a thing taken by the mind. 

In his speculations on the power of God he 
became lost in wonder and delight. 

thoughts and opinions formed by 
meditation. 

He has lately published in the newspapers 
his speculations on the instruction of young 
children in the common schools. 

a scheme or view of a subject formed 
in the mind, but not carried out 
into practice. 

The mode of directing balloons, so as to 
travel in them through the air, is still a matter 
of mere speculation. 

When a man buys something to sell again, 
expecting an unusual advance in the price, we 
call it a speculation. 

Spend thrift, n. one who spends mon- 
ey in a wasteful and extravagant 
manner. 

Sphere, (sfere), n. a globe — a round 
body, every part of the surface of 
which is equally distant from its 
centre. — the regular circuit through 
which a body moves. 

The earth in revolving round the sun never 
goes out of its sphere. 

We say, a man keeps within his proper 
sphere, when he does not attempt to do that 
for which he is not fitted, or which it does 
not belong to him to do. 

Spher' i cal, (sfer i cal,) a. round like 

a sphere. 
Spir it, n. the soul, the immortal part 

of man. 



When Stephen, the first martyr, wa3 stoned 
to death, he said, " Lord Jesus, receive my 

spirit." 

animation, ardor. 

He spoke with so much spirit, that he 
roused the feelings of the whole assembly. 

disposition of mind. 

She had a sweet and gentle spirit, and was 
careful never to wound the feelings of others. 

eager desire. 

The spirit of speculation spread over the 
whole country, and ruined thousands. 

that which gives power or life. 

The spirit of industry was seen through- 
out the whole village, and every thing ap- 
peared flourishing and in the best order. 

Spir it u al, a. distinct from matter, 
belonging or relating to the mind. 

The spiritual part of man will live, when 
the body moulders in the grave. 

relating to the soul and to religious 
concerns. 

He took good care of his body, but neg- 
lected his spiritual welfare. 

requiring holy thoughts, feelings, and 
purposes. 

The law of God is spiritual. 

relating to sacred things ; as spiritual 

songs. 
Splen did, a. shining very brightly, as 

the sun in a clear day. — very 

showy. 

His cabinet contained a splendid collection 
of birds of the richest plumage. 

illustrious ; as a splendid victory, a 
^ splendid reputation. 
Spoil, n. that which is taken by vio- 
lence, especially in war. 
Spon ta ne ous, a. acting of itself, 
without compulsion or any exter- 
nal influence. 
When he entered the hall there was a , 



STA 192 



STA 



spontaneous rising of the whole assembly as 
a mark of respect. 

When any thing burns without fire being 
applied to it, we call it a spontaneous com- 
bustion. 

When any thing grows without being 
planted, or taken care of by man, we call it 
a spontaneous growth. 

Spu ri cms, a. not what it appears or 
claims to be. 

It is a spurious letter, and was never writ- 
ten by the person whose name is signed to it. 

The cashier said the bank note was a spu- 
rious one, and he would not take it. 

Spurn, v. a. to drive away as with the 
foot, to reject with disdain. 

He was offered money if he would vote for 
a particular man, but he spumed the proposal 
as an insult. 

Squan der, v. a. to spend in a wasteful 
and injudicious manner. 

He soon squandered the property that was 
left him by his father, in purchasing costly 
articles which he did not need, and which he 
could not dispose of without great loss. 

Sta. ble, a. fixed strongly in its place, 
not easily moved or shaken. 

The pillar-is firm on its base, and likely to 
be stable. 

He is a very stable man, and it will be of 
no use to attempt to change his purpose. 

To-day he is following one plan, and to- 
morrow he will follow another. His want of 
stability prevents his success. 

Stag nant, a. not flowing, having no 
motion; as a stagnant pond of 
water. 

In a confined room the air stagnates. 
When business is very dull, we say it stag- ' 
nates. 

Stanch, v. a. to stop blood from run- 
ning. 

Stanch, a. strong and tight; as a 
stanch hogshead, a stanch boat. 



firm and hearty in purpose and feel- 
ing. 

Wilberforce was a stanch advocate of the 
abolition of the slave trade. 

Stand ard, n. a flag used in war. — a 
rule or measure fixed by the gov- 
ernment of a country, and by which 
other things of the same kind are 
tried. 

The government of the United States de- 
termines the standard of gold coin, as how 
much pure gold, and how much of inferior 
metal shall make an eagle. 

a rule or model of established au- 
thority, by which other things of 
the same kind are tried. 

In judging which of the scholars wrote the 
best, the master made tho copy which he set 
them the standard. 

The speeches of Demosthenes are among 
the best standards of eloquence. 

If you would excel in any thing, you must 
take a high standard to imitate. 

Sta pie, a. the staple productions of 
a country are the principal ones 
which are raised or manufactured ; 
as, cotton and rice are the staple 
productions of South-Carolina. 

State, n. the circumstances in which 
a person or thing is placed, condi- 
tion. In this sense of the word, 
however, it usually denotes more 
permanency than the word condi- 
tion does. 

He enjoys a fine state of health, and has 
not been sick for many years. 

The country is in a very prosperous state, 
and is likely to continue so. 

a body of people united under one 
government; as the State of Ver- 
mont, the State of Georgia. 






STE 



193 STI 



The State of Connecticut has a large fund 
for the support of common schools. 

pomp. 

The king came in state to dissolve the par- 
liament. 

Sta ted, a. fixed, settled. 

He has a stated salary and receives it in 
quarterly payments. 

He was very methodical in the arrange- 
ment of his time, and had stated hours lor 
study, for business, and for exercise. 

State ly, a. lofty, dignified, magnifi- 
cent. 

The shepherd and his flock reposed beneath 
the shade of a stately elm. 

Her maimers were stately but condescend- 
ing. 

The temple of Bel in Babylon was a 
stately building, rising 600 feet into the air. 

Sta tion, n. the place where a person 
or thing stands. 

He wished to see the procession pass, and 
took his station on the flat roof of the house. 

office to which one is appointed. 

He held the station of Governor five years 
in succession. 

condition. 

However humble your station, you may be 
useful and happy if you do your duty. • 

Sta tion a ry, a. fixed, not going back- 
ward or forward. 
The floating ice in the river became sta- 
' tionary during a severely cold night. 

Stat ure, n: the height of any animal, 
especially of man. 

Zaccheus, being short of stature, climbed 
up into a sycamore tree, that he might get a 
sight of Christ who was passing by. 

Stead fast, a. fixed firmly in its place. 
The true hope of the Christian is as an an- 
chor of the soul, sure and steadfast. 

firm in purpose, constant. 

" Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always 
abounding in the work of the Lord." 

Stead y, a. firm in its place, not tot- 
13 



tering or shaking ; as the table is. 
steady. — not fickle ; constant in 
feeling, purpose, and conduct. 

He is very steady in attending to his busi- 
ness, and you may always find him at his of- 
fice at the regular hours. 

keeping on in an unchanging course ; 

as a steady stream, the steady 

motion of the ' earth round the 

sun. 
Stem, v. a. to oppose a current. 

The boys stemmed the running brook, by 
building a dam across it. 

to ascend or cross a stream against 
the force of its current. 

Though the water ran swiftly, he was a 
good swimmer and able to stem it. 

Stern, a. severe in look or manners. 

He had so stern a countenance that little 
children were afraid to go to- him. 

Stew' ard, (stfi ard,) n. one who 
manages the household concerns, 
or the affairs of another. 

" It is required in stewards that a man be 
found faithful." 

Sti fie, v. a to stop the breath. 

The dust was so thick, that we were almost 
stifled by it. 

to keep from breaking out or spread- 
ing, to put a stop to ; as to stifle a 
flame, to stifle laughter, to stifle a 
report. 

Stig' ma tize, v. a. to mark with infa- 
my, to speak of with great re- 
proach. 

He endeavored to stigmatize the character 
of his neighbor by charging him falsely with 
having committed a mean theft. 

Stmt, v. a. to confine within certain 
and often narrow limits. 

The poor child was so stinted in its food. 



STR 



194 



STU 



that it was "much smaller than other children 
of its age. 

The son was so extravagant that his father 
■was obliged to stint him in his expenses. 

to set a certain task to be done with- 
in a certain time. 

The young man was stinted to mow an 
acre of grass during the day. He finished it 
by noon, and had the^ afternoon to himself. 

Stip u late, v. a. to make' an agree- 
ment to do, or not to do, a certain 
thing. 

When the man rented his house, he stipu- 
lated to keep it in good repair. 
Stock, n. the main body of a plant or 
tree. — race; the beginning of a 
family to which all of the same 
kindred belong. 

Paul said he was of the stock of Israel, of 
the tribe of Benjamin. 

the money or goods with which any 
business is begun and carried on 
for the sake of profit. 

The merchant has just taken an account of 
his stock, and finds it amounts to five thou- 
sand dollars. 

a quantity laid up for future use. 

He has a sufficient stock of provisions for 
the winter. 

The domestic animals on a farm are called 
stock. 

Strand, n. the shore of a sea or lake 
which is washed by the tide or 
waves. 

Strat a gem, n. an artifice or trick, 
usually in war. 

To conceal the retreat of the troops, fires 
were kept burning in the camp during the 
night, and the sentinels continued at their 
posts. The. stratagem was successful. 

Stren u ous, a. very earnest and press- 
ing. 



He was very strenuous in defending the 
plan, although it was unpopular. 

very bold and active. 

He is a strenuous supporter of his party. 

Strict, a. accurate, exact. 

He kept a strict account of all the money 
which he expended. 

keeping, or making others keep, a 
rule or law very exactly. 

He was kind yet strict in the government 
of his family, and his children loved him the 
more for being so. 

Strife, n. a trying to see which can 
excel or succeed. 

There was a long strife between Robert 
and James, to see which would get the prize 
for the best writing. 

a trying by persons who are angry, 
or at enmity, to overcome each 
other. 

" It is an honor for a man to cease from 

strife." 

Strl king, a. affecting, forcible, sur- 
prising. 

David lamenting the death of Absalom, is 
a striking example of the power of a father's 
love. 

The short passage of the steam-ships across 
the ocean, is a striking proof of what human 
skill can effect. 

Struct ure, n. the manner of building, 
or of putting together the parts of 
a thing. 

The structure of the human body is won- 
derful, and shows the wisdom and goodness 
of God. 

a building. 

The ruins lately discovered in Central 
America, show that the original structures 
must have been very magnificent. 

Stur dy, a. very strong and capable 
of enduring labor or fatigue. 

The man told the impudent sturdy beggar, 






SUB 



195 



SUB 



that he was well able to work and earn his 
living. 

forcible. 

He struck sturdy blows with his battle-axe 
against the gate of the castle. 

stiff, strong. 

The sturdy oak did not bend before the 
violent gale. 

Style, h. the manner of writing with 
regard to language ; the manner of 
speaking, of music, of painting, of 
dress, of living, or of doing a 
thing. 

Sub due, v. a. to overcome and bring 
entirely under the power of, to de- 
stroy the force of. ' 

Henry II. king of England, subdued Ireland, 
and brought it under his government, in the 
j'ear 1172. 

He was naturally very passionate, but suc- 
ceeded^in subduing his temper, so that he was 
not known to be angry for many years. 

Sub ject, a. being under the authority 
or power of. 

A large part of India is subject to the do- 
minion of Great Britain. 

exposed to something which cannot 
be avoided. 

He has been subject to fits for many years. 

Sub ject, n. one who lives under the 
dominion of another. 

He was formerly a subject of the king of 
Great Britain, but has lately become an 
American citizen. 

that about which one thinks, speaks, 
or writes. 

The subject of a beautiful poem by Camp- 
bell, is, The Pleasures of Hope. 

Sub ju gate, v. a. to bring by force 
entirely under th# dominion of. 

Julius Cesar subjugated the Gauls, who 
lived in the country which is now called 
France. 



Sub lime, a. high, and exciting ele- 
vated feelings. 

A dark, cloud rising in the heavens, with 
the vivid flashes of lightning and the heavy 
peals of thunder, is a sublime object. • 

The falls of Niagara are among the most 
sublime scenes in the world. 

It is a sublime thought of the prophet Isaiah, 
that " the heavens shall be rolled together as 
a scroll." • 

It is a sublime expression of Moses, " And 
God said, Let there be light : and there was 
light." 

Sub mis sion, n. yielding one's sflf 
up to the power and authority of an- 
other. 

The king required submission of the rebels, 
before he would say whether he would pardon 
them or not. 

yielding obedience. 

The Bible enjoins the cheerful submission 
of children to their parents. 

yielding to the will of another, so 
as not to murmur or complain. 

The submission of Eli to God was striking, 
when he said, "It is the Lord: let him do 
what seemeth him good." 

When a thing is referred to another, to give 
an opinion or decision about it, it is said to be 
submitted to him. 

Sub scribe, v. a. to write one's name 
under something that is written or 
printed ; as to subscribe a letter. — 
to consent to, or bind one's self by 
something that is written or printed, 
by signing one's name to it. 

He subscribed the deed which conveyed 
his farm to his neighbor. 

v. n. to give assent to. 

He rose in the meeting, and said he sub- 
scribed fully to the remarks of the last 
speaker. 

Sub serve, v. a. to help in accomplish- 
ing some object or purpose. 



SUB 



196 



sue 



He is very selfish, and cares nothing about 
others only so far as he can make them sub- 
serve his own designs. 

He did not select for his reading merely 
amusing books, but those which would be 
subservient to his improvement. 

Sub side, v. n. to sink or fall knver. 

The mud subsided in the water which was 
taken out of the river, and it became clear. 

to settle or become calm* after being 
agitated. 

The storm, after raging all day, subsided 
^t sunset, and the evening was clear and de- 
%htful. 

Sub sist, v. n. to be. 

We subsist because God keeps us^in life. 

to have the means of living. 

He and his family subsist by hard labor. 

to support life. 

The lion subsists on animal, but the sheep 
on vegetable food. 

Sub stance, , n. any thing which 
exists. 

The soul is a substance. The body is a 
substance. 

the most important part of a thing. 

He did not repeat the whole address which 
he had before delivered, but he gave us the 
substance of it. 

property, means of living. 

Before his death, Job became a man of 
great substance. 

Sub stan tial, a. real, not merely 
seeming to be. 

There is substantial happiness in loving 
God and doing good. 

strong, stout, solid. 

He bought some cloth for a surtout, which 
proved to be very substantial. It lasted 
several years. 

We call him a substantial man, who is in 
good circumstances and doing well in his 
business. 
Sub sti tute, v. a. to put one person 
or thing in the place of another. 



The rudder of the boat was lost, and they 
substituted an oar in its stead. 

Mere outward politeness is a poor substitute 
for the benevolence of the heart. 

Sub vert,?;, a. to overturn and destroy 
utterly. 

Alfred the Great subverted the power of 
the Danes, and established himself firmly on 
the throne of England. He died in the year 
900. 
to corrupt the mind. 

Paul speaks of certain unruly and vain 
talkers and deceivers, who subverted whole 
families, teaching things which they ought 
not, for the sake of money. 

Sue ceed, v. a. to follow in order. 

The month of June succeeds that of 
May. 

to come into the place which another 
has left. 

James Monroe succeeded James Madison 
as President of the United States in the year 
1817. 

v. n. to accomplish or gain what one 
attempts or wishes. 

After trying a long time, they succeeded in 
restoring the drowned man to life. » 

Sue cess, n. accomplishing or gain- 
ing what one attempts or wishes. 

Industry and perseverance are necessary 
to success. 

Sue ces sion'ft. the following of one 
thing after another. 

There was a succession of flocks of wild 
geese, passing to the north, during the whole 
day. 

coming into the place which another 
has left. 

Domitian, on his succession to the throne 
of Rome in the year 81, at first seemed to be 
a good emperor, but soon after showed him- 
self a detestable typnt. 

Nicholas I. became the successor of his 
brother Alexander, as emperor of Hussia, in 
the year 1825. • 



SUI 



197 



SUP 



Sue cor, v. a. to come to the help of 
another, to relieve one who is in 
distress or difficulty. 

The ship succored the men on the island 
who were almost starving, by furnishing them 
with a supply of provisions. 

Suffice', (suf fize,) v. n. to be 
enough. 

James found that one hour a day sufficed 
for getting his lesson in geography out of 
school. 
v. a. to satisfy. 

He said what he had eaten sufficed him. 
He did not wish for any more. 

Our Saviour teaches us not to be too anx- 
ious for the morrow; saying, that "sufficient 
unto the day is the evil thereof." 

Suf fix, n. a letter or syllable annex- 
ed to a word to modify its signifi- 
cation ; as less in fatherless, ar in 
beggar. 

Suf fo cate, v. a. to stop one's breath- 
ing by preventing the air from get- 
ting into the lungs, or by introdu- 
cing into them smoke, dust, or some- 
thing else of a similar kind which is 
hurtful. 

They very carelessly left a vessel of burn- 
ing coals in the room where they slept, and 
were suffocated and found dead in the 
morning. 
Sug gest, v. a. to intimate, or give 
the idea of a thing to the mind. 

The visiter suggested to the teacher, that a 
black-board would be very useful in the school. 

His visiting two young women who were 
deaf and dumb, first suggested to the Abbe' de 
l'Epe'e the plan of establishing a school in 
Paris, for the benefit of such persons. He 
died in 1790. _ 

Su i cide, n. intentionally killing one's 
self. — The person who does this is 
also called a suicide. 



Sul ly, v. a. to lessen the brightness 
of a thing by soiling or dirtying it. 

A father gave a beautiful book with gilt 
edges to his son, and told him to be careful 
not to sully it. 

It is much easier to sully a good character 
than to gain it. 

Sum ma ry, a. not going into particu- 
lars, short and mentioning only the 
principal things. 

He said, as there would not be time to read 
the whole Report, he would give a summary 
statement of it to the meeting. 

not done in the usual, but in a much 
shorter manner. 

He found a young man taking money out of 
his drawer, and inflicted upon him a summa- 
ry punishment by a severe flogging, when he 
ought to have had him dealt with according 
to law. 

Sum mit, n. the top or highest part ; 
as the summit of a mountain. 

Sum mon, v. a. to call one, by author- 
ity, to attend at a particular place, 
or to do a particular thing. 

He was summoned to appear as a witness 
in court, and tell under oath what he knew 
about the matter. 

to stir up to action. 

He saw the danger which threatened him, 
and summoned up all his resolution to meet it. 

Sun der, v. a. to part, to separate. 
The lightning struck the trunk of a large 
oak, and sundered it in pieces. 

Sun dry, a. several, more than one. 
The merchant sent his clerk on a journey, 
to collect sundry debts. 

Su perb, a. rich, magnificent, stately. 

The palace of Chosroes, king of Persia, 
who died in the year 579, was very superb. 
It is said, that the roof was supported by forty 
thousand columns of silver, and that a thou- 
sand globes of gold were suspended in the 
dome, to represent the motions of the planets 
and the constellations in the zodiac. 



SUP 



198 



SUP 



Su per fi' cial, (su per fish al,) a. be- 
ing on the surface. 

The knife scarcely cut the skin; it was 
only a superficial wound. 

not deep or thorough, slight. 

He has read a little, here and a little there 
in many books, and can tell you something 
about them all ; but he has not studied them 
with attention, and his knowledge is very su- 
perficial. 

Su per flu ous, a. more than enough, 
not needed. 

The day is so warm, that a fire in the stove 
is superfluous. 

She was dressed with great neatness, and 
showed her good taste in avoiding all super- 
fluous ornaments. 

Su pe ri or, a. higher in place, station, 
merit or value. 

A general is superior to a colonel ; a colo- 
nel, to a major ; and a major, to a captain. 

He is a superior mechanic, and does his 
work so well that he never wants customers. 

above the influence of. 

Be superior to the temptations of ease and 
pleasure, if you wish to be either good or 
great. 

Su per nat u ral, a. beyond the pow- 
ers of nature, miraculous. 

The swimming of the axe on the water, at 
the command of the prophet Elisha, was su- 
pernatural. 

Su per scribe, v. a. to write, or en- 
grave, on the top or outside ; as to 
superscribe a letter. 

The superscription on the coin was nearly 



Su per sede, v. a. for one thing to de- 
stroy the force of another, or make 
it useless. 

Steam-boats and rail-road cars have, in ma- 
ny places, superseded stage coaches. 

for one to come into the place of 
another who is set 



The general who commanded the army did 
not perform his duty well, and another was 
sent to supersede him. 

Su per struct ure, n. that which is 
built on something else. 

They have finished the foundation, and are 
just beginning the superstructure of the State- 
house. 

Sup plant, v. a. to get one out of his 
place by stratagem. 

Jacob supplanted Esau, and obtained the 
blessing which Isaac intended to give his 
brother. 

Sup pie ment, n. an addition to some- 
thing, to supply what is wanting. 

, A supplement to the newspaper was pub- 
lished, containing advertisements. 

Siip. pli ant, n. one who asks for 
something earnestly and humbly. 

Sup pli cate, v. a. to ask for some- 
thing earnestly and humbly. 

We should daily supplicate the mercy and 
favor of God. 

Sup port, v. a. to bear or hold up. 

The pillars supported the roof. 

to bear pain, or evil of any land, 

without being overcome by it. 

His losses were severe, 'but he supported 
them with a cheerful resignation. 

to furnish the means of living, or of 
doing a particular thing; as to 
support a family, to support a cler- 
gyman, to support the expenses of 
the government, or of a war. 

Sup press, v. a. to crush, to subdue. 

Tiie soldiers were ordered out to suppress 
the riot. 

to keep a thing from appearing or be- 
ing known. 

She suppressed her grief, that she might 
not make her companions sad. , 

to keep back, not to let out. 



SUR 



199 



sus 



The clerk suppressed an important letter 
which he ought to have communicated to his 
employer. 
Su preme, a. highest in authority, in 
dignity, or in excellence. 

God is the Supreme Governor of all beings 
and things. 

above all. 

The miser makes money the supreme ob- 
ject of his affections. 

Sur face, n. the outside of a thing. 
The surface of the ice was as smooth as 
glass. 
Sur feit, n. eating or drinking to ex- 
cess, so as to cause great uneasi- 
ness or sickness. 
v Sur mise, v. a. to think that a thing 
is or may be, without any certain 
knowledge. 

The captain surmised the danger for some 
time. before the ship struck the rock. 
Sur mount', v. a. to rise above. 

The balloon in its flight soon surmounted 
the clouds. . 
to overcome. 

He had to encounter great difficulties, but 
by energy and perseverance he surmounted 
them all. 

Sur pass,u. a. to go beyond, to excel. 

The sun surpasses all other objects in 
brightness. 

The moderns much surpass the ancients in 
the knowledge of astronomy. 

Sur ren der, v. a. to yield or give up 
to the power or authority of anoth- 
er. 

The thief surrendered the watches which 
he had stolen, to the officer. 

After a severe attack, the fort surrendered 
and was taken possession of by the enemy. 

Sur vey', (sur va,) v. a. to look at, or 
over, with particular attention. 

He stood on the high cliff, and surveyed 



the ocean, to see if he could discover any 
vessel, 
to examine. 

He surveyed every part of the house, to 
ascertain whether it was well built. 

to measure land and determine the 
quantity. 

They surveyed the field, and found it con- 
tained fifty acres. 

Sur vive, v. a. for one to continue to 
live after another who has lived at 
the same time with him, dies. 

He survived his wife four years. 

to continue to live after some event 
which has happened since a per- 
son was born. 

Noah survived the deluge 350 jpars. 

Sus cep ti ble, a. capable of receiv- 
ing or admitting. 

The melted wax is susceptible of an im 
pression from the seal. 

Some children appear to be susceptible of 
instruction at an earlier age than others. 

tender in feeling, easily affected. 

When young he was very susceptible both 
to commendation and reproof ; but he has be- 
come so hardened in crime that he seems 
now to care for neither. 

Sus pect, v. a. to think or fear, with 
little or no evidence, that some- 
thing exists or may happen. 

The traveller said, he suspected there 
might be some danger in passing through the . 
wood, as a late robbery had been committed 
there. 

to think, without proof, that a person 
is guilty. 

He was suspected of having counterfeit 
money, and when searched a large amount 
was found upon him. 

to think a thing doubtful or uncertain. 

I suspected the truth of what he told me, 
because he took so much pains to lead me to 
believe it. 



SWA 



200 



SYM 



Sus pend, v. a. to hang. 

The swing was suspended from the branch 
of a tree. 

to make to stop for a time. 

The boys suspended their game at ball till 
the shower was over. 

When, for misconduct, one is kept from 
enjoying some privilege, or performing the 
duties of some office and receiving his pay, 
he is said to be suspended. 

Sus pi' cious, (sus pish us,) a. inclined 
to suspect. 

He is deranged, and suspicious that every 
body who approaches him intends to do him 
some harm. 

giving cause to suspicion, liable to be 
suspected. 

His conduct is such that he is regarded as 
a suspicious character, although nothing crim- 
inal has yet been proved against him. 

Sus tain, v. a. to bear or hold up. 

He is a strong man, and able to sustain a 
very heavy weight. 

The hope that he would yet be abie to pay 
his debts, sustained him in the midst of his 
pecuniary difficulties. 

to keep alive. 

He was lost in the woods, and for several 
days had to sustain himself on berries. 

to bear pain, or evil of any kind, with- 
out being overcome by it. 

He was confined to his house by sickness 
for three years, and sustained it with great 
fortitude. 
•Sus te nance, n. supply of the means 
of living. 

He told his father not to be anxious about a 
sustenance in old age, he would provide for 
it. 

f@od, victuals. 

Manna was almost the only sustenance 
which, the Israelites had during their forty 
years wandering in the wilderness. 

Sway, v. a. to move easily, or wave, 
something held in the hand ; as for 



a king to sway' his sceptre.— to 
cause a strong leaning of the mind 
in favor of, or in opposition to, some 
person or thing. 

He was swayed in his choice of a residence 
by its being in the neighborhood of his old' 
friends. 

to govern, or have a powerful influ- 
ence over. 

He was so popular that he swayed the mul 
titude to do as he pleased. 

Swerve, v. n. to turn aside from what 
is right. 

To screen himself from blame, he swerved 
very much from the truth in giving an account 
of the matter. 

Swin die, v. a. to cheat one out of his 
property by artifice or false pre- 
tences. 

He swindled the merchant out of a large 
amount of goods, which he got on credit, B31 
representing that he was doing a large busi 
ness in the country. He sold the goods at 
auction for much less than they cost, and ran 
off with the money. 

Sym bol, n. an emblem, a represen- 
tation of something else for which 
it stands. 

The olive-branch is a symbol of peace. 
A crown is symbolical of kingly govern- 
ment. 

Sym me try, n. proportion, or the 
fitness of the different parts of a 
thing to each other, and of each to 
the whole. 

The child has a beautiful symmetry of fea- 
tures. Its forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, 
mouth and chin, are just what they should be 
to make the whole countenance very expres- 
sive and interesting. 

Sym' pa thlze, v. n. for one to feel as 
another does, in consequence of 
knowing how the other feels. 



TAB 



201 



TAN 



He visited the family the day after the fu- 
neral, to sympathize with them in their be- 
reavement. * 

A man who has no sympathy for others, 
must expect none from them. 

to have like feelings. 

Their dispositions, tastes, and favorite pur- 
suits were similar, and they seemed to sym- 
pathize in almost every thing. 

Symp torn, n. something that points 
out what another thing is which it 
accompanies, or with which it is 
connected. 

The physician thinks that his hard cough is 
a symptom of disease in his lungs. 

His borrowing money so often is a symp- 
tom that his affairs are getting into a bad state. 

Syn o nym, n. a word which has the 
same signification with another 
word. 

Crabb has written a large work on English 
synonyms. « 

Words are often used as synonymous which 
are really not so. 

Sys tem, n. a combination of many 
things, so arranged and connected 
that they agree with each other 
and with the whole. 

The solar system is made up of the sun, the 
planets, the asteroids, the satellites and the 
comets, and its motions are carried on with 
perfect regularity. 

Look into a watch, and you will see a strik- 
ing instance of systematic movement. It is 
this which enables it to keep good time. 

T. 

^pab er na cle, n. a tent. — a build- 
ing in which one dwells but for a 
short time. — the Jewish place of 
warship before the temple was 
built. — any house of worship.— 
the human body. 



Tac' it, (tas it,) a. expressing by si- 
lence, implied. 

The chairman of the meeting said that if no 
objections were made to publishing the Re- 
port, he should consider them as giving their 
tacit consent. 

Tac' i turn, (tas i turn,) a. not fond of 
talking, habitually silent. 

He was so taciturn, that during the whole 
day's ride he said nothing except to ask where 
they should stop to dine. 

Tact, n. a nice discernment of the 
best time and manner of doing 
something, and being expert in do- 
ing it. 

He has such a tact in getting subscriptions 
to charitable objects, that he obtained one 
hundred dollars from the greatest miser in the 
town. 

Tal ent, n. an ancient weight or coin. 
— mental power. 

When a man has superior ability to excel 
in what he undertakes, he is called a man of 
talents. Wlien he shows an ability to excel 
in any particular thing, he is said to have a 
talent, for that thing. 

Tal ly, v. n. for one thing to fit or 
correspond with another. 

The account which he gives of the matter 
to-day, does not tally with that which he gave 
yesterday. 

A boy was chosen on each side, to keep 
tally for those who were playing at ball. 

Tarn per, v. n. to meddle or be busy 
with, to little or no purpose. 

He has been taking one kind of dose and 
another, without consulting a physician, and 
tampering so long with his disease, that his 
friends fear that it can never be cured. 

to deal with secretly. 

He was detected in tampering with one of 
the jury, to try to get the prisoner acquitted. 

Tan gi ble, a. that which can be per- 
ceived by the* touch. 



TED 



202 



TEM 



Light is not tangible. 

We say that a thing 13 tangible, when it is 
so plain as to be easily apprehended by the 
mind. 

Tan' ta llze, v. a. to torment, by show- 
ing some good which is kept out 
of reach, and exciting the desire 
of it. 

After a dead calm of several days, they 
were tantalized with a breeze which just 
filled the sails, and then died away. 

Taste, n. niceness and accuracy in, 
perceiving, relishing, and judging 
of the beauties of nature and art. 

The house, and every thing in and around 
it, showed that the owner, though not rich, 
was a man of taste. 

Tawnt, v. a. to reproach, or ridicule, 
in an insulting manner. 

He was an industrious and worthy young 
man, and it was cruel to taunt him with the 
crimes of his father. 

Taw dry, a. showy, but not elegant, 
and costing but little. 

The Indian woman wore some tawdry glass 
beads around her neck. 

Tax, v. a. to determine by authority 
how much a citizen shajl pay as 
his part of the public expenses. — - 
to load as with a burden. 

He came so often and staid so long, that he 
taxed my patience exceedingly. 

to accuse or censure. 

They taxed him with great imprudence in 
going in to bathe when he was so excessively 
heated. 

TecA ni cal, a. relating to gome par- 
ticular art, business, or profession. 

A sailor uses many technical words and 
phrases, which those who have not been to 
sea cannot understand. 

Te di ous, a. so slow or particular as 
to be tiresome. 



We had a tedious walk through the drifted 
snow. 

p Before he finished his long and tedious ad 
dress, many of the hearers became quite in- 
attentive. 

Teem, v. n. to bring forth, to abound. 

His garden teems with vegetables of all 
kinds. 

The mind of the speculator teemed with 
schemes for making money. 

Tel e graph, n. an instrument, or ma- 
chine, for conveying intelligence to 
a distance by signals. 

Tern per, v. a. to mix things togeth- 
er, so that one part may abate the 
force or severity of the other. 

He tempered the hot water by pouring into 
it a small quantity of cold water. 

A kind Providence tempers the wind to the 
shorn lamb. 

The father tempered the reproof which he 
gave his son with some commendation. 

Iron or steel is said to be tempered when it 
is made of a proper hardness by heat. 

Tern per, n. that state which arises 
from a mixture of different quali- 
ties. 

The temper of the putty was just as it 
should be; it was neither too hard nor too 
soft. 

disposition of mind. 

The infant is almost always smiling and 
playful. It has a sweet temper. 

heat of feeling. 

The boy showed a good deal of temper, 
when the master, on account of his miscon- 
duct, would not let him go out to play with 
the other boys. 

By the temper of a metal, we mean its de- 
gree of hardness or softness. 

Tem per a ment, n. that state which 
arises from such a mixture of dif- 
ferent qualities that one has ftore 
Torce than the rest. 



TEN 



203 



TER 



He is of a very sanguine temperament. 
His feelings are strong and lively, and he al- 
ways expects to succeed, even when there is 
but little ground for it. 
Tera per a ture, n. state with regard 
to the degree of heat or cold. 

When the temperature of water is as low 
as 32 degrees above zero, by Fahrenheit's 
thermometer, it freezes ; when its tempera- 
ture rises to 212 degrees, it boils. 

Tern po ral, a. measured by time, not 
eternal. 

" The things which are seen," (that is, the 
things of this world,) " are temporal ; but the 
things which are not seen," (that is, the things 
of the next world,) " are eternal." 

belonging to the body, or to the things 
of this world only, and not to the 
concerns of the soul. 

Being very sick, and finding that death was 
near, he arranged all his temporal affairs, and 
gave his whole attention to the things of 
another life. 

Tem po ra ry, a. lasting only for a 
limited time. - 

When they first removed to the new coun- 
try, they put up a log house as a temporary 
residence ; but were so industrious that they 
were soon able to erect a comfortable frame 
dwelling. 

Tempt, v. a. to allure or solicit to evil, 
by the offer of some good* 

A rogue tempted a boy to get a counterfeit 
bill changed, by telling him he would give him 
half the money. 

to allure. 

After being confined all day, he was tempt- 
ed by the pleasantness of the evening to ram- 
ble in the fields. 

Te na cious, a. holding a thing fast, 
not letting it go, or not inclined to 
let it go. 

He is so tenacious of his opinions, that no 
argument or proof can induce him to change 
them. 



His memory is very tenacious, and he sel- 
dom forgets the name of a person or the date 
of an event. 

Tend, v. n. to move or be directed 
towards a certain point or place. 

The general course of the river is south, 
but just below the city it tends to the south- 
east. 

to be directed to some end, or result, 
and help its accomplishment. 

Her light and trifling conduct tends to less 
en her in the estimation of others. 
The tendency of having books for children 
printed neatly and well, is to form a good 
taste in the young mind. 

Ten der, v. a. to offer for accep- 
tance. 

Several of the lawyers were so interested 
in the prisoner, that they tendered him their 
services gratuitously. 

to offer in payment of a debt or to 
satisfy some demand. 

He tendered his landlord a hundred silver 
dollars, in the presence of witnesses, for the 
rent of the house. 

Term, n. a limit or boundary. — the 
time for which any thing lasts. 

There were two terms m the school in a 
year, each of twenty -two weeks. 

the word by which a thing is ex- * 
• pressed. 

Abaft is a technical term among seamen, to 
denote towards the hind part of a ship. 

He commended it very much, speaking of 
it in high terms. 

This word is used in the plural to de- 
note conditions. 

One of the terms on which he offered to 
rent him the farm, was, that the fences should 
be 'kept in good repair. 

Term i nate, v. a. to bound, to limit. 

The field was terminated on the north side 
by a brook, 
to put an end to. 

The career of Charles XII. king of Swe 



TES 



204 



TIM 



den, was terminated by a cannon ball at the 
siege of Frederickshall, Dec. 12th, 1718. 
v. n. to be limited, to end. 

The vacation will terminate in four weeks. 

Ter res tri al, a. belonging or rela- 
ting to the earth. — consisting of 
earth. 

Ter ri to ry, n. land or country over 
which the power of a particular 
government extends. 

The district of Columbia has a territory of 
ten miles square. ^ 

Russia has the most extensive territory of 
any empire or kingdom in Europe. 

Ter ror, n. very great dread, causing 
agitation of body and mind. 

A sudden attack of the savages at night 
upon the defenseless village, filled the inhab- 
itants with terror. 

that which causes terror. 

" Rulers are not a terror to good works, but 
to the evil." 

Test, n. that which tries a thing, and 
shows what it is. 

As a test of the good temper of the axe, he 
cut a very harctaknot with it. 

As a test of his knowledge of grammar, the 
committee gave him a very difficult sentence 
to parse. 

the trial itself. 

During the terrible storm at sea, both the 
courage and skill of the captain of the ship 
were put to th$.test. 

Tes ti fy,u. w/anda. to tell under oath, 
or in a solemn manner, what one 
knows about a thing. 

When a witness is called upon in court to 
testify, he swears that he will tell the truth, 
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

v. a. to prove or show. 

He testified his strong approbation of the 
Institution, by contributing largely to its 
funds. 

Tes ti mo ni al, n. a writing, or cer- 



tificate, to show that one's charac- 
ter or conduct is good. 

The teacher brought testimonials with him 
from the Committee, that he had taught the 
school to their satisfaction, and was worthy 
of entire confidence. 

Tes ti mo ny, n. telling under oath, 
or in a solemn manner, what one 
knows about a thing. 

The testimony of the two false witnesses 
against our Saviour, on his trial before the 
high priest, did not agree together. 

a showing or proving. 

When a man gives a deed of his property 
to another, he puts his name and seal to it as 
a testimony that it is truly his own act. 

Theme, n. a subject on which one 
speaks or writes. 

The wisdom and goodness of God in the 
works of creation, was a theme on which he 
often conversed with his children. 

Thrift y, a. increasing one's proper- 
ty by being frugal and prudent. 

The neat and flourishing appearance of the 
village, showed that the people were thrifty. 

having a quick and healthy growth. 

He set out a number of young maple trees 
in his yard, and they are all thrifty, and in a 
few years will make a pleasant shade. 

Thrive, v. n. to be thrifty.— to suc- 
ceed by industry and good man- 
agement. 

Thwart, v. a. to oppose or. defeat. 

She had formed high expectations of the 
aid which her son would afford her, but they 
were all thwarted by his idleness and extrav- 
agance. 
Ti dings, n. news, an account of 
something that has happened. 

When our Saviour was born, the angel said 
to the shepherds ; " Behold, I bring you good 
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all 
people." 

Tim id, a. fearful, wanting courage. 



TOK 



205 



TOR 



The hare is a timid animal. 

Tim o rous, a. fearful, not bold, afraid 
to do things. 

She was so timorous, that she never felt at 
ease when on board a steamboat. • 

He was a very timorous man, and did not 
dare to express his opinions when any body 
opposed him. 

Tinge, v. a. to give a slight color, or 
taste, of one thing to another. 

The fingers of the little girl were tinged 
with the juice of the strawberries which she 
had been picking. 
Tint, n. a dye, a color. 

The tints of the summer clouds, as the sun 
was setting, were extremely beautiful. 

Ti tie, n. the inscription at the be- 
ginning of a book, telling its name 
and subject, and sometimes the 
name of the author. 

What is the title of this book ? 

The inscription at the top of the pages of a 
book, showing the subject below, is called a 
running title. 

a name of respect or honor,, by which 
a person is called or addressed. 

A judge is called his Honor; a member of 
Congress, Honorable ; a justice of the peace, 
Esquire ; a commander of a military compa- 
ny, Captain ; these are titles. 

a claim of right to a thing. 

His title to the land canno^be disputed, for 
he bought it of the "Government of the United 
States. 

To ken, n. a sign. 

The beautiful rainbow is a token of the 
promise, that God will never destroy the earth 
by another deluge. 

a mark. 

John's father bought him a new penknife, 
as a token of approbation of his good conduct. 

memorial. 

. She wore on her finger a ring which her 
brother had given her on his death bed, to be 
kept as a token of his affection. 



Tol e ra ble, a. that which can be 
endured. 

He said his pain was severe, but he ought 
to be thankful that it was tolerable. 

not very good nor bad, moderately 
well. 

His hand-writing is tolerable ; it is plain te 
be read, but not elegant. 

Tol .e rate, v. a. not to hinder; to 
suffer a thing to be, or to be done. 

«In the United States, a man does not ask 
s Government to tolerate him in worship- 
ping God according to his conscience ; he 
claims it s a right. 

Top ic, n. a subject about which one 
speaks or writes. 

His knowledge was very limited, and his 
conversation almost always run upon the 
same topics. 

Tor ment, n. excessive pain. 

No torment is greater than that of a guilty 
conscience. 

that which causes excessive pain. 

When our Saviour was on earth, they 
brought to him for relief those who had divers 
diseases and torments. 

Tor pid, a. in a benumbed state, mo- 
tionless, not seemiffg to have feel- 
ing or life. 

Flies are in a torpid state during the win- 
ter ; when the warm weather of spring comes, 
they revive and fly about again. 

He was once an intelligent, enterprising 
man ; but his mind has become so torpid by 
indolence and indulgence, that it cannot be 
roused to any effort. 

When persons are exposed to very severe 
cold, a dangerous torpor often seizes upon 
them, which they should try in every possible 
way to shake off. 

Tor rid, a. dried up by very great heat; 
as a torrid desert. — violently hot. . 

The ship was becalmed near the Equator, 
and the crew suffered greatly from the torrid 
rays of the sun. 



TRA 



206 



TRA 



Tor ture, n. very violent pain. 

The Indians often put their prisoners to 
torture in the most cruel manner. 

Touch ing, a. moving the feelings. 

The conclusion of his funeral discourse 
was very touching, and drew tears from the 
whole assembly. 

relating to, or concerning. 

Gamaliel said to the Jewish council, before 
which the apostles had beenaccused, — "Take 
heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as 
touching these men." 

Tour, n. a journey of considerable 
length through different places. 

While making the tour of Europe, he spent 
a winter at Rome. 

Tow' er, v. n. to fly or rise high ; as, 
the eagle towers towards heaven. 
Trace, v. a. to mark out. 

He traced out on paper the course which 
he advised me to take on my journey. 

to follow by marks which have been 
left. 

The hunter traced the course which the 
deer had taken in the woods, by observing the 
print of his feet. 

He was able to trace most of the words on 
the monument, though a few had been effaced. 

He can trace ftack his ancestors to the first 
settlers at Plymouth. 

Tract, n. a quantity of land, or ex- 
tent of country. 

There was a small tract of wood-land on 
the north side of his farm. 

The United States own vast tracts of terri- 
tory, which are yet unoccupied. 

a small book, a written or printed 
discourse. 

He read a tract on The value of time, which 
led him to resolve to make a better use of the 
rest of his life. 

Tract a ble, a. easy to be led, man- 
aged, governed, or taught. 

The horse was so tractable that a child 
could ride him with safety. 



Tra di 7 tion, (tra dish un,) n. the de- 
livering of accounts of things from 
father to son, and from generation 
to generation, by telling them 
orally, and not by writing or print- 
ing. 

The American savages preserve the history 
of their tribes by tradition. 

the account itself thus delivered. 

Traditions respecting the deluge are found 
among many heathen nations. 

Tra duce, v. a. to speak evil of, 
falsely and wickedly. 

An ambitious man traduced the character 
of his rival, in order to get the office which 
he held. 

TraT fick, n. exchanging ■ goods or 
merchandise, either by barter or by 
buying and selling. 

London carries on an extensive traffick 
with all parts of the world. ' 

Train, v. a., to draw or lead along. 

The gardener trained the grape-vine, so 
that it covered the side of the house. 

to educate. 

" Train up a child in the way he should go, 
and when he is old he will not depart from 
it." 

to teach and form by practice. 

He trained the elephant to do many things 
by merely being told to do them. 
Men are trained to be- soldiers. 

Trait, n. a line drawn, a stroke 'or 
touch of a pencil or paint-brush. — 
something which marks or distin- 
guishes. 

A strict regard to truth is a striking trait of 
his character. 

Trait or, n. one who betrays what 
was entrusted to him. 

A traitor is despised by every body. • 

Tram mel, v. a. to catch and entangle, 



TRA 



207 



TRA 



as birds or fishes in a net. — to 
hamper. 

He was very much trammelled in carrying 
on bis business, for the want of a little more 
capital. 

Tran quil, a. free from all that can 
agitate or disturb, peaceful. 

Nothing is more tranquil than the sleep of 
an infant in its mother's arms. 

Not a fear %r doubt distressed him, he was 
perfectly tranquil in the view of death. 

Trans act, v. a. to perform, to carry- 
on or manage business of any kind. 

Tran scribe, v. a. to copy any thing 
written or printed. 

He kept a book in which he transcribed the 
most striking passages he met with in reading. 

Trans fer, v. a. to convey, or cause 
to pass, from one person or place 
to another. 

The seat of Government in the United 
States, was transferred from Philadelphia to 
Washington, in the year 1800. 

for one person to make over a thing 
to another, so that it shall be his. 

He transferred his right in the library to his 
son. 

Trans form, v. a. to change into 
another form, or condition. 

The creeping caterpillar was transformed 
into a beautiful butterfly. 

The Christian religion transforms the rude 
savage into the intelligent and peaceful citi- 
zen. 

Trans gress, v. a. to go beyond a 
limit. 

He was allowed ten minutes in the debate, 
but transgressed by speaking fifteen. 

to break some rule or law. 

He transgressed the express command of 
his father by going to the theatre. 

Tran sient, a. soon passing away. 



Our stay in the city was so transient, that 
we had no time to visit its curiosities, 
short and imperfect. 

I had so transient a view of the village as I 
passed it on the rail-road, that I cannot de- 
scribe it. 

Trans i to ry, a. continuing but a 
short time, soon to pass away. 

He is not wise, who neglects the concerns 
of his soul for the transitory pleasures of this 
life. 

Trans late, v. a. to put into one lan- 
guage what is expressed in an- 
other. 

He has been studying French some time, 
. and is able to translate from that language 
into English, very well. 

Trans nut, v. a. to send from one 
person or place to another. 

A great many letters are transmitted from 
the United States to England, by the steam 
vessels. 

Light is transmitted through the air. 

Trans pa rent, a. so clear that objects 
can be seen through it ; as air, 
water, glass. 

Trans plre, v. n. to come out through 
the pores of the skin. — to become 
known after having been secret. 

All spectators were ordered to withdraw, 
and the Senate did their business with closed 
doors. What it was has not yet transpired. 

to happen. 

James VI. king of Scotland became king of 
England, by the title of James I. on the death 
of Queen Elizabeth. This event transpired 
in the year 1603. 

Trans port, n. a carrying from one 
place to another. — a vessel in 
which soldiers, or things neces- 
sary for war, are carried. — a very 
high excitement of mind, as if it 



TRE 



208 



TRI 



was carried away by some sudden 
, and violent force. 

He was in such a transport of joy at his 
unexpected success, that he seemed almost 
beside himself. 

Trans pose, v. a. to change the place 
of things, by putting each in the 
place of the other. 

He wrote the word deceive incorrectly by 
transposing the e and the i, writing it decieve. 

Treach er ous, a. betraying one's 
trust, faithless in not keeping one's 
promise. 

He was treacherous, and revealed a very- 
important secret, which his friend had told 
him in confidence. 

Treas/ ure, (trezh ure,) n. money, or 
other property, accumulated and 
laid up in abundance. 

The tombs of some Eastern kings, when 
opened, have been found to contain great 
treasures. 

A thing which is valued very highly is 
sometimes called a treasure. 

Treat ise, n. a written or printed dis- 
• course on some particular sub- 
ject. 

He has published a treatise on the cultiva- 
tion of silk. 

Treat y, n. the trying to settle differ- 
ences, or to make an agreement 
between individuals or nations. 

He was in treaty with a neighbor several 
months to buy his farm, before they could de- 
termine on the price. 

an agreement between the govern- 
ments of two or more nations, to 
settle their differences and to de- 
termine how they shall treat each 
other. 

Tre men dous, a, exciting very great 



fear or astonishment by its force or 
violence. 

After a hot, sultry day there was a tremen- 
dous thunder storm. 

Tres pass, v. n. to pass the bounds of 
another person's land and enter 
unlawfully upon it. — to commit an 
offence against another, or to bseak 
any rule or command.* 

" If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke 
him ; and if he repent, forgive him." 

He trespassed against the rules of polite- 
ness, by asking so many questions of the 
stranger. 

We say a man trespasses upon the time of 
another, when he comes at an unseasonable 
hour, or stays too long. 

Tri al, n. doing something, in order 
to see what the effect or result 
will be. 

The farmer's wife told the miller, she had 
made % trial of the flour and found it very 
good. 

suffering which shows the feelings 
and character. 

• It was a severe trial of the faith of Abra- 
ham, when he was commanded by God to 
leave his home and country, and go he knew 
not whither. 

an examination before some court of 
justice. 

He showed on his trial that he was not 
guilty of the crime, by proving that he was in 
another place when it w^f committed. 

Tribe, n. a distinct portion of a peo- 
ple divided from the rest. 

The children of Israel were divided into 
twelve tribes. 

The Mohawks were among the most pow- 
erful and terrible of the Indian tribes. 

Tri bu. nal, n. the seat on which a 

judge sits. — a court of justice. 
Trib u ta ry, a. paying tribute, 






The Jews, 



TRO 



209 



TUR 



at the time of our Saviour, 
were tributary to the Romans. 

helping to increase another thing. 

The great river Mississippi has many tri- 
butary streams which enter into it. 

Trib ute, n. an annual and fixed pay- 
ment made by one people in ac- 
knowledgment of their subjection 
to another, or to purchase peace 
or protection. 

Solomon at the beginning of his reign, made 
the Canaanites who were left in the land pay 
tribute to him. 

Trite, a. worn out by long use, very 
common. 

There was nothing original or interesting in 
his discourse. It was made up of trite 
thoughts and expressions. 

TrI umph, n. a rejoicing with great 
pomp, on account of a conquest or 
victory. 

In the magnificent triumph which the Ro- 
mans celebrated in honor of Paulus iEmilius 
a distinguished general, for his conquest of 
Macedonia, Perseus, the king of that country, 
was led captive in the procession, clad in 
black, immediately after his children. This 
happened 168 years before Christ. 

conquest or victory. 

The triumph of Octavius Cesar over An- 
tony, at the sea-fight of Actium, was complete. 
The latter fled to Egypt and there killed 
himself, 30 years before the Christian era. • 

great joy on account of success. 

The city was filled with triumph at the 
news of the victory. 

Triv i al, a. trifling, light, of little 
worth or consequence. 

In learning to write composition, be care- 
ful to avoid even trivial mistakes. 

Tro phy, n. something taken from a 
vanquished enemy, and kept as a 
memorial of victory. 
14 



The sword which David took from Goliath, 
was laid up as a trophy in the Tabernacle. 

Truce, n. stopping war for a certain 
time, during which both parties 
agree not to attack each other. 

After the battle there was a trucf of three 
days, in order that each army might bury 
their dead. 

a ceasing for a while, -a short quiet. 

After committing the crime, there was no 
truce to the goadings of his troubled con- 
science. 

Trust, n. placing confidence in. 

" Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall 
be safe." 

the person or object confided in. 

" Blessed is that man that maketh the 
Lord his trust. " 

that which is committed to one's 
care. 

He has had charge of many estates belong- 
ing to widows and orphan children, and has 
always been faithful to his trust. 

When a person takes a thing on trust, he be- 
lieves it without examination. 

When a person buys things to be paid for 
at a future time, he buys them on trust. 

Tii mult, n. the agitation, confcsion, 
and noise of a multitude. 

God " stilleth the noise of the seas, the 
noise of their waves, and the tumult of the 
people." 

great excitement and agitation of 
mind. 

Pride, grief, and indignation struggled to- 
gether in his breast, and produced a great 
tumult of feeling. 

The assembly was so tumultuous that it was 
impossible for the speaker to be heard. 

Tur bid, a. thick, muddy, not clear. 

After the heavy rain, the stream was very 
turbid. 

Tur bu lent, a. greatly agitated ; as 
the turbulent ocean in a storm. — 



UMP 



210 



UND 



restless and disorderly, causing 
tumult. 

There were several turbulent young men in 
the village, who defied all authority, and kept 
the place in a continual uproar. 

Tur moil, n. disturbance, trouble, and 
harassing uneasiness. 

The children were so rude and ungovern- 
able, that they kept the house in a constant 
turmoil. 
Tur pi tude, n. extreme baseness in 
heart, words, or conduct. 

Ingratitude to a mother is a crime of the 
deepest turpitude. 

Type, n. an emblem. — something 
which represents another thing 
that is to come. 

The lamb offered in sacrifice at the Jewish 
passover, was a type of Christ. 

a letter made of metal used by print- 
ers. 

Ty rant, n. one who governs in an un- 
just, oppressive, and cruel manner. 

Tyrants may be feared, but they are always 
hated. 

• u. 

Ul ti mate, a. last of all. 
The ship was to touch at several ports, but 
to make Smyrna the ultimate place of her 
destination. 

that which is the last and chief object 
aimed at, and for which other 
things are done. 

His ultimate design in studying in Paris 
several years, was, to prepare himself to 
_ travel in the East. 

Urn pire, n. one to whom those who 
have a dispute, or difference, leave 
it for decision. 

The fable says that two persons disputed 
about the color of a chameleon, one affirming 



it was green, and the other blue. They call- 
ed in an umpire who declared it was black ; 
but, on his producing it, it proved to be white. 

Un, prefixed to a verb, denotes to 
undo; as unfurl, unseal : — wheb 
prefixed to adjectives and adverbs, 
it denotes not ; as zmkind, wrcjustly. 

Un ac count' a ble, a. that for which 
a reason cannot be given, or which 
cannot be explained. 

That a man who had always been so penu- 
rious, should all at once become so lavish ot 
his money, was unaccountable. 

U nan' i mous, (yu nan i mus,) a. all 
being of one mind, all agreeing to 
a thing. 

The meeting were unanimous in the opin- 
ion that the road should be repaired. 

At first there was some difference of opin- 
ion, but after discussing the subject there was 
an entire unanimity. 

Un be Kef, n. not believing, and es- 
pecially not believing the Bible 
and the truths which it contains. 

Christ showed great condescension in re- 
moving the unbelief of Thomas. 

Un cowth, a. odd, strange, unusual. 

Although a good and intelligent man, his 
influence is much diminished by his very un- 
couth manners. 

Un der go, v. a. to suffer, to endure. 

In crossing the mountain, they underwent 
a great deal of fatigue. 

to pass through. 

During his absence he underwent such a 
change in his appearance, that on his return 
his friends scarcely knew him. 

Un der mine, v. a. to dig under a 
thing, so that it may fall or be 
blown up; as to undermine the 
walls of a fort. — to hollow out the 
earth beneath any thing. 



UNI 



211 



UNI 



The stream undermined the foundation of 
the house, and it was in great danger of 
falling. 

to injure or destroy in a secret man- 
ner. 

He used very base means to undermine the 
reputation of his rival. 

Un der rate, v. a. to put less than the 
true value upon a thing. 

He might have been much more useful if 
he had not underrated his own talents. 

Un do, v. a. to change a thing back to 
its former state. 

He had nearly laid out his garden, when a 
new plan struck him, and he undid the whole 
work and began again. 

to loose, to untie, to unravel. 

He undid the parcel, and found it contained 
a present of some books. 

to destroy, to ruin. 

He was undone by wild speculations in 
new land. 

Un du la tion, n. a motion like that 
of the waves. 

There was a severe earthquake, and the 
undulations of the ground were distinctly 
visible. 

Un fold, v. a. to open, to disclose, to 
display to view. 

The rose unfolds its beauties. 
He unfolded his plan to a few friends, and 
they heartily approved of it. 

U' ni form, (yu ni form,) a. having 
always the same form or manner, 
not varying. 

In the East the fashions of dress do not 
change ; it is uniform, one age after another. 

He has always held one uniform opinion on 
that subject. 

conformingto the same pattern or rule. 

The dress of the girls was uniform, they 
were all clad in white. 

continuing in the same degree, or of 
the same state. 



He was obliged to remain in the house all 
winter, and keep the air in his rooms of an 
uniform temperature. 

Un' ion, (yun yun,) n. the act of 
joining two or more things into 
one, or the being thus joined to- 
gether. 

The union of the scholars into one class 
was found difficult, because their ages were 
so different. 

Every true patriot should do all in his 
. power to preserve the Union. 

agreement of mind, feelings, or in- 
terests. 

There was so much union between the di.- 
ferent families, that the neighborhood was a 
very happy one. 

U. nite' (yu nite',) v. a. and n. to join 
two or more things into one, or 
to be thus joined. 

In the government of her children, she 
united decision with kindness. 

The Alleghany and Monongahela rivers 
unite at Pittsburg, and form the Ohio* 

to agree in mind, feelings, or interests. 

The ancient Romans were often quarrel- 
ing among themselves, but united together 
when they were attacked by an enemy. 

U' ni ty, (yu ni ty,) n. the state of being 
one. 

. "When we speak of the unity of God, we 
mean that there are not two or more Gods. 

agreement. 

M How good and how pleasant it is for 
brethren to dwell together in unity." 

A house is said to have unity of plan, when 
all the parts are well suited to each other. 

U ni vers'al, (yu ni vers al,) o. all, the 
whole, including every one. 

The influenza in the town was general, but 
not universal ; a few did not have it. 

U' ni verse, (yuni verse,) n. all the be- 
ings and things which God has 
made. 



UPB 



212 



USH 



Ud man, v. a. to deprive of strength 
and courage. 

The death of his wife and only child com- 
pletely unmanned him. 

Un ques tion a ble, a. that cannot be 
doubted. 

He is a man of unquestionable truth, and 
you need not hesitate to believe him. 

Un re lent ing, a. continuing severe, 
not feeling pity. 

The crew begged hard for their lives, but 
the pirates were unrelenting, and put them all 
to death. 

Un ru ly, a. not submitting to rule, 
hard to be restrained or governed. 

He was an unruly boy, and had caused his 
father a great deal of trouble, before he com- 
mitted the crime for which he was sent to 
prison. 

Un search a ble, a. that cannot be 
searched into and found out. 

" Great is the Lord and greatly to be 
praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." 

Un tmfe ly, a. happening before the 
usual or proper time. 

An untimely season of very warm weather 
brought out the bads of the peach trees, 
which were soon after destroyed by the frost. 

Un tow ard, a. wilful, perverse, hard 
to be guided, taught, or governed. 

He was so untoward a boy, that his mother 
was obliged to bind him out to a farmer in 
the neighborhood. 

We call that an untoward event which hin- 
ders our plans, or injures our interests. 

Up braid, v. a. to charge with some- 
thing wrong or disgraceful. 

The mother of the only Spartan who survi- 
ved the battle of Thermopylae, upbraided 
h'm for his cowardly flight, and said she 
would rather have seen him brought home 
dead on his shield. 

to reprove severely. 

Our Saviour upbraided the people among 



whom most of his mighty works had been 
w done, because they repented not. 

Up right, a. straight up, not leaning 
one way or the other \ as an up- 
right post or pillar. — doing right 
in the whole of conduct, firmly 
and constantly. 
" Mark the perfect man, and behold the up- 

w right : for the end of that man is peace." 

Urge, v. a. to push or press onward. 

The deserters escaped in a boat, which 
they urged forward with all their might. 

to press one to feel or to act in a par- 
ticular way. 

Frank used a great many arguments in ur 
w ging his father to let him buy a watch. 

Ur gent, a. pressing and importunate. 

His creditors were so urgent in their de- 
mands, that he had to sell his property at a 
great loss, in order to pay his debts. 

very pressing, demanding immediate 
attention. 

It was an urgent case, and the physician 
hastened to visit the patient. 

Use, (yiise,) n. the employing of a 
thing for any purpose. 

The Aborigines of America did not make 
use of iron. 

the being employed for any purpose. 

The axe is not fit for use, because the 
handle is broken. 

benefit. 

His knowledge of French was of great use 
to him in his business. 

need of, or occasion for. 

He dismissed his clerk, saying that he had 
no further use for his services. 

Ush er, n. one who introduces ; an 
^ under-teacher. 

Ush er, v. a. to introduce by going 
before. 

His friend ushered him into the room, and 
announced his name to the company. 



VAG 



213 



VAL 



s 



The fourth of July was ushered in by the 
ringing of bells. 

U surp', (yu zurp,) v. a. to seize or 
possess without right. 

Stephen usurped the crown of England, 
and succeeded Henry I. in the year 1135. 

U' su ry, (yu zhu ry,) n. formerly this 
word denoted money paid for the 
use of money. It now means, tak- 
ing more money for the use of mo- 
ney than is allowed by law. 

U til i ty, (yu til i ty,) n. the being 
of use or profit. 

It is of great utility to the farmer to have a 
^ knowledge of chemistry, geology, and botany. 

Ut ter, (i. farthest from the centre. 

His father told him not to ride more than 
five miles from the city, and he went to the 
utter extent of his limits. 
extreme. 

When they had got some distance into the 
cave, their lights went out, and they were left 
in utter darkness. 

complete. 

They bored very deep into the earth to find 
water, but it was an utter failure. 

V. 

*\7"a cant, a. empty, not filled ; as a 
vacant seat, a vacant house, a 
vacant office. 
not employed; unoccupied. 

He had a few vacant hours each week, 
which he proposed to employ in teaching 
German. 

empty of thought. 

He shows by his very countenance that he 
has a vacant mind. 

Vag a bond, n. one that wanders 

about without a home. 
Va grant, a. wandering about without 

a home. 



Vague, a. unsettled, indefinite, not 
clear. 
The ideas of the heathen concerning a fu- 
ture state are very vague. 

We call a report vague, when we cannot 
tell whence it came, nor how much reason 
there is for believing it. 

Vain, a. useless, done to no purpose. 

The waves ran so high, that all the efforts 
of the persons on shore to save those on the 
wreck, were vain. 

proud of little things, and making a 
display of them ; having too high 
an opinion of one's self. 

Those who know the least are the most apt 
to be vain of their acquirements, 
unsatisfying. 

He expected to be happy when he became 
rich, but he found that the pleasures of wealth 
are vain. 

light, idle, worthless. 

" He that tilleth his land shall have plenty 
of bread ; but he that followeth after vain 
persons shall have poverty enough." 

To take the name of God in vain, is to use it 
in a light and trifling manner, or on unimpor- 
tant occasions. 

Val' iant (val yant,) a. brave, 1 coura- 
geous. 

Be valiant in the defense of truth and right. 

Val id, a. having force, well-estab- 
lished, supported by law or right ; 
as a valid argument, a valid objec- 
tion, a valid claim, a valid title. 

Val or, n. bravery, courage. 

His army was much smaller than that of 
the enemy, but relying on the valor of his 
troops, the general led them on to the attack. 

Val ue, n. the real worth of a thing. 

Iron is of more value than diamonds, be- 
cause it can be applied to many more useful 
purposes. 

what a thing can be sold for. 

The value of his farm was much increased 



VAR 



214 



YEN 



by the new rail-road which passed through 
the town. 

importance. 

Our Saviour said to his disciples, " Ye are 
vf more value than many sparrows." 

Val u a ble, a. having value ; as a 
valuable watch, a valuable inven- 
tion, a valuable citizen. 

Van, n. the front line of an army or 
a fleet. 

Van ish, v. n. to pass away from the 
sight, to disappear. 

" What is your life ? It is even a vapor 
that appeareth for a little time, and then van- 
isheth away." 

Van i ty, n. emptiness, uselessness, 
what is unsatisfying. 

Solomon said respecting the great things 
which he had done, that all was vanity and 
vexation of spirit, and that there is no profit 
under the sun. 

pride about little things, and the mak- 
ing a display of them. 

He has so much vanity in regard to dress 
as to make himself ridiculous. 

Van quish, v. a. to subdue in battle ; 
to overcome in any contest. 

He had fought many battles and had never 
been defeated; he always vanquished his 
foes. 

Va ri a ble, a. often changing, incon- 
stant. 

The wind during the day was variable. In 
the morning it was from the north-west ; at 
noon from the south-east ; and in the evening 
from the south-west. 

Her feelings are so variable, that she is 
cordial to her friends, one day, and cold to 
them, another. 

Fashions undergo a continual variation. 

liable ft) change. 

Public opinion is variable ; what the people 
approve to-day they may disapprove to-mor- 
row. 



Va ri ance, n. disagreement. 

The two accounts of the affair are at vari- 
ance with each other. 

discord. 

It was a great grief to their aged mother, 
that her two sons were so often at variance 
with each other. 

Va ry, v. a. and n. to change in some 
degree. 

Since the frost of last night, the leaves of 
the maple trees in the yard have varied their 
color. 

As the sun was setting, the tints of the 
clouds were continually varying. 

His hand-writing has varied within a feW 
years, but still it is easy to be recognized, 
to be unlike. 

The manner in which persons salute each 
other, varies in different countrie's. 
to deviate from. 

He took great pains to teach his son never 
to vary from the truth, on any occasion. 
Vawnt, v. n. to boast. 

" Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed 
up." 
Ve he merit, a. rushing on or acting 
with great force. 

After a worm had destroyed the gourd un- 
der which Jonah reclined, a vehement east 
wind blew upon him, and with the heat of the 
sun caused him to faint. 

very ardent, very urgent ; as vehe- 
ment anger, vehement eloquence. 

Ve hi cle, n. that by which any thing 
is conveyed ; as a coach, a cart, a 
sled. 

Newspapers are extensive vehicles of com- 
munication from one part of the country to 
another. 

Ve loc' i ty, (ve los i ty,) n. swift- 
ness, quick motion. 

The earth moves round the sun with a ve 
locity of 68,000 miles an hour. 

Ven e ra ble, a. worthy to be treated 



YER 



215 



VES 



with reverence ; as a venerable 
grand-father, a venerable family 
Bible, a venerable old church. # 
Ven e rate, v. a. to regard or treat 
with reverence. 

He shows that he venerates the memory 
of his moth£r,«by following her good exam- 
ple. 

Venge ance, n. inflicting evil upon 
others with malicious feelings be- 
cause they have injured us. 

The Bible teaches us to forgive those who 
have done us wrong, and not to take venge- 
ance upon them. 

just punishment for doing "Wrong. 

" Vengeance is mine ; I will repay, saith 
the Lord." 

Ven o mous, a, poisonous, usually by 
being applied to the outside of the 
body. 

The Indians of South America dip the 
points of their arrows in a venomous juice, 
and the slightest wounds made by them are 
mortal. 

malignant ; as the venomous tooth of 

envy, or of slander. 
Ven ti late, v. a. to fan with wind, — 

to cause the air to pass through. 

Great care should 'be taken to have the 
rooms in which we sit, or sleep, well venti- 
lated. 

Verb al, a. spoken, uttered by the 
mouth, not written or printed. 

He sent a verbal message by his son to the 
teacher, to say that he would call at the 
school in the afternoon. 

consisting in, or relating to, words 
merely. 

After explaining their ideas fully to each 
other, they found they differed only about the 
meaning of a word. Their dispute was 
m nothing but a verbal one 



Verd ure, n. the fresh green of trees 
and plants. 

The verdure of the meadows, after tne rain, 
was very deep and beautiful. 

The house was surrounded by verdant fields, 
and was cool and pleasant in the hottest 
weather. 

Ver diet, n. the decision of a jury, 
declared to the court, concerning 
the cause which they have been 
trying. 

The jury withdrew to their room, and, after 
conferring together several hours, returned a 
verdict of not guilty. 

Verge, n. edge, border. 

It was a very dark night, and the traveller 
was on the very verge of tfle precipice, before 
he perceived his danger. • 

Verge, v. n. to tend, to lean towards. 

After running for some' distance along the 
bank of the river, there was a slight bend in 
the road, and it verged toward the mountain. 

He has passed the meridian of life, and is 
verging towards old age. 

Ver i fy, v. a. to prove a thing to be 
certainly true. 

He said the land had yielded eighty bushels 
of corn to the acre, and verified his statement 
bv the testimony of the man who gathered it. 

to fulfill. 

His teacher said, that if the boy lived he 
would become a distinguished man ; and the 
prediction was afterwards fully verified. 

Ver nal, a. belonging to the spring ; 

as vernal flowers. 
Ver ti cal, a. directly over head. 

The sun is vertical, twice a year, to those 
who live within the tropics. 

Ves tige, n. a footstep, — a mark left 
of something which has been in 
the place before. 

Scarcely a vestige remains of ancient Bab- 
ylon, and travellers cannot now tell where its 
magnificent temples and palaces once stood 



VIG 



216 



VIR 



Vet e ran, n. one who has been a 
soldier a long time, or who has 
had much practice in any art or 
employment. 

VI brate, v. a. and n. to move to and 
fro quickly ; as the pendulum of a 
clock, or the string of a violin when 
it is struck. 

Vice, n. that which is habitually 
wrong and wicked in conversation 
or conduct, but not so wicked as to 
amount to a crime ; as the vice of 
falsehood, the vice of intempe- 
rance, the vice of gambling. 

When young ^ie led a vicious life, and is 
now a poor vagabond, respected by nobody. 

a blemish or fault. 

The horse, he said, was sound, never start- 
ed suddenly from fright, or stumbled, was 
easily managed, and free from every vice. 

It is a vicious cow, and has gored many 
persons. 

Vic tim, n. a living being slain and 
offered up in sacrifice. 

The ancient Britons, before they became 
Christians, used to offer up human victims to 
their idols. 

When a person is ruined, or very greatly 
injured, by keeping on in any particular 
course, we say, he is the victim of it. 

Vic to ry, n. overcoming in battle or 
in any other contest. 

The hardest victory to gain is over one's 
self. 

Vig' i lant, (vij i lant,) a. watching 
carefully to secure some good, or to 
avoid some evil. 

The sentinels were ordered to be very vigi- 
lant, as an attack was hourly expected from 
the enemy. m 

Vig or, n. healthful and unimpaired 
strength. 



He died suddenly in the full vigor of man- 
hood, when his friends and his country had 
high expectations of his increasing useful- 
ness. 
■ The majestic oak, more than a hundred 
* years old, still retains its vigor. 

He had been kept from school for some 
time by the death of his father, and on his re- 
turn made a vigorous effort tft overtake his 
class. 

Vile, a. mean, of little worth. 

James reproves those who, in their reli- 
gious meetings, treated a man " with a gold 
ring, in goodly apparel," better than " a poor 
man in vile raiment." 

meanly wicked, despicable. 

He is a vile fellow ; he will lie, cheat, and 
steal any tiling that he can lay his hands on. 

Vin di cate, v. a. to defend as being 
right. 

He had the courage to vindicate his friend 
because he believed him to be innocent, al- 
though almost every one condemned him. 

to defend with success. 

He vindicated his claim as the inventor of 
the machine. 

VI o late, v. a. to break, to transgress ; 

as to violate a promise, a command, 

or a rule, 
to treat with irreverence. 

Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria, vio- 
lated the temple at Jerusalem, by ordering a 
smaller altar, which was to be used in sacri- 
ficing to Jupiter Olympius, a heathen god, to 
be built on the altar of Jehovah. This hap- 
pened 167 years before Christ. 

Vir tue, n. the doing of that which is 
good and right. 

Even the vicious approve of virtue in. 
others. 

Men often think themselves to be virtuous, 
because they admire those who are so. 

a particular moral excellence ; as the 
virtue of temperance, of honesty, 
of candor. 



VIV 



217 



VOL 



efficacy. 

The medicine was so old that it had lost 
all its virtue, and did him no good. 

power to act. 

He was sheriff of the county, and by virtue 
of his office commanded the mob to disperse. 

Vis i ble, a. that can be seen. 

A bright star was visible at noon by the 
naked eye. 

Vis' ion, (vizh un,) n. the faculty, or 
the act, of seeing. 

His vision is much impaired by disease, and 
he fears he may lose his sight entirely. 

The air was ptfre, and our vision of the 
surrounding objects very distinct. 

some appearance presented to the 
mind in a dream, or in a super- 
natural way. 

Peter had a vision on the house-top, in 
which he saw a certain vessel descending, as 
if it had been a great sheet let down from 
heaven by four corners, containing all kinds 
of beasts, and creeping things, and birds. 

Vis' ion a ry, (vizh un a ry,) a. im- 
aginary, impracticable. 

When the plan of making a tunnel under 
the river Thames in England, was first pro- 
posed, it was regarded by many as quite 
visionary. 

Vital,. a. relating or necessary to 
life. 

The heart is a vital part of the body. 

very necessary. 

Well conducted common schools are of 
vital importance to the prosperity of our 
country. 

Viv id, a. lively and bright to the 
eye ; as the vivid colors of a rain- 
bow, vivid lightning. — sprightly, 
active. 

He har 1 a very vivid imagination, and gave 
us so K/ely a description of the places which 
he had visited, that it seemed as if we could 
see them. 



Vo cal, a. having a voice. 

The woods were filled v ith birds, and the 
air was made vocal by their songs. 

uttered by the voice. 

The music was entirely vocal ; there was 
no organ, flute, or any other kind of instru- 
ment. 

Vo ca tion, n. the trade or employ- 
ment which one usually follows. 

His vocation is that of a caUinet-maker. 

Void, a. empty. 

The houses stood at some distance from 
each other, with a void space between them. 

having no power. 

The will which he at first made became void, 
by his making another afterwards. 

being without. 

Though the danger was great, he was void 
of all fear. 

Vol a tile, a. easily passing into va- 
por. — very light and gay, fickle. 

She is a volatile, giddy girl, and seems 
never to think of any thing serious. 

Vol ca no, n. a mountain which sends 

out fire, smoke, and lava. 
Vol ume, n, a roll. 

In anient times, before the art of printing, 
books or volumes were written on parchment 
or some other substance, and not bound as 
they are now, but rolled up. 

a book. 

The work consists of twelve volumes. 

that which fills a certain space. 

The engine threw out so large a volume of 
water upon the roof of the house, that the 
fire was soon extinguished. 

Vol un ta ry, a. acting or done from 
choice, and nqt because one is 
forced to act. 

He went to a justice before any one sus 
pected him, and made a voluntary confession 
of his guilt. 

done by design, and not by accident. 
It is doubtful whether the taking of the 



WAF 



218 



WAR 



laudanum which caused her death, was vol- 
untary or through mistake. 

done of one's own accord, and not 
because led to do it by others. 

The donation which he made of a telescope 
to the academy, was entirely voluntary ; no 
one had even suggested it to him. 

Vol un teer, v. a. and n. to offer a 
thing, or to enter into a service, of 
one's own accord, and not because 
compelled or led to, by others. 

He volunteered to go down into the well, 
and bring up the man who was at the bottom 
of it, suffocated by the bad air. 

Vo ra cious, a. greedy to eat, eating 
in haste and a great deal. 

Vo ta ry, 7i. one who is devoted to 
some particular object or service ; 
as a votary to study, a votary to 
music, a votary of fashion. 

Vouch, v. a. to call to witness ; to af- 
firm. 

v. n. to bear witness to, to declare 
one's full belief of. 

He said he could vouch for the skill of the 
dentist, as he had employed him" for many 
years. 

Vow, n. a solemn promise made to 
the true God, or to a false god. 

" Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy 
vows unto the Most High." 

any solemn promise. 

Two friends bound themselves by a vow, 
that, in case of the death of either, the other 
if able should take care of his family. 

w. 

aft, v. a. and n. to carry gently 
through the air or water ; to 
float. 

As the current wafted us along, we had a 



W: 



fine view of the beautiful flowers and trees 

which adorned the banks. 

Wage, v. a. to bet. 

To wage money or other things is a foolish 
and often a ruinous practice. 

to make, to carry on; as to wage 

war. 
Wail, v. a. and n. to give vent to deep 

grief by sounds or words. 

Among the ancient Jews, it was customary 
at funerals for the mourners to wail as they 
followed the bier. 

Wan, a. pale as with sickness, hav- 
ing a languid look. 
Wane, v. n. to grow less, to decline. 

After the moon is full, it begins to wane. 
For some years past, the business of the 
place seems to be on the wane. 

Ward, n. a district, or certain part of 
a town or city. — custody. 

Pharaoh was wroth against his chief butler 
' and chief baker, and put them in ward in the 
prison where Joseph was bound. 

the part of a lock which the proper 
key fits. — one under the care of a 
guardian. 

Mary is an orphan, and the ward of her 
uncle. 

Ward, v. a. to defend, to turn aside a 
blow or some evil. 

With his cane he warded off the stroke 
which was aimed at his head* 

War rant, v. n. to authorize. 

He was warranted to make purchase of the 
goods, by the letter which he received from 
his father. 

The officer received a warrant to apprehend 
the man, and bring him before the justice. 

to justify. 

Though the owner was absent, he felt him 
self warranted, by their great intimacy, in 
taking some fruit from the garden for a sick 
friend. 

to make secure against loss. 



WEL 



219 



WIT 



He warranted the cloth to be of a good 
quality. 

He warranted the watch to go right for a 
year. 
Wa ry, a. very careful in looking out 
for some danger or evil, so as to 
avoid it. 

He is so wary that a rogue will find it very 
difficult to cheat him. 

Wa ver, v. n. to move backwards and 
forwards, to be unsettled, to be un- 
determined. 

" He that wavereth is like a wave of the 
sea, driven with the wind and tossed." 

Wax, v. n. to grow, to become larger. 
The new moon continues to wax till it is 
full. 

to become. 

When Moses descended from the mount, 
and saw the idolatry of the Israelites in 
worshipping the golden calf, his anger waxed 
hot. 

Way ward, a. froward, bent upon 
having one's own way. 

His disposition was so wayward that the 
advice of his friends seemed to do him no 
good. 

Wealth, n. riches, much money or 

other kinds of property. 
Wei fare, n. the condition of one who 

is in health and safety, and has the 

comforts .of life. 

When Jethro came to visit Moses in the 
wilderness, they asked each other of their 
welfare. 

When we speak of the welfare of a place 
or country, we mean its being free from 
danger or evil, and in a happy and flourishing 
condition. 

Wei ter, v. n. to roll in blood, water, 
or mire. 

He was attacked and wounded by robbers, 
and was found soon after weltering in his 
own blood. 



Whee die, v. a. to entice or induce 
by nattering words. 

He was a rich but weak-minded man, and 
a cunning rogue, by praising him and gratily- 
ing his vanity, contrived to wheedle him out 
of a great deal of money. 

Whim si cal, a. odd, changing one's 
mind strangely and suddenly, hav- 
ing likes and dislikes without any 
good reason. 

He is very whimsical in his dress, altering 
the fashion of it continually, and trying to 
make it unlike that of every body else. 

Wz'eld, v. a. to use with ease and 
power ; as to wield a sceptre, which 
means, to exercise kingly authority, 
— to wield an argument, which 
means, to argue skillfully and 
forcibly. 

Wile, n. sly and secret cunning in 
order to deceive or ensnare. 

The Indians, in war, rely more upon their 
wiles than upon their numbers and strength. 

Wis dom, n. that knowledge which 
can be applied to useful and im- 
portant purposes. 

" How much better is it to get wisdom 
than gold." 

seeking a good object, and under- 
standing and employing the best 
means to accomplish it. 

It is wisdom in the young not to seek pres- 
ent enjoyment merely, but to prepare for 
future duty and usefulness. 

Wisdom, in the Bible, is often used to 
mean piety. • 

Wise, a. having wisdom. 

Wit, n. intellect. — sense, judgment. 

He showed but little wit in buying so large 
a house, when both his income and his family 
were so small. 

quickness of mind in bringing ideas 



WOE 



220 



WOR 



together in a new and unexpected 
manner, so as to strike with sur- 
prise and pleasure. 

Never use your wit at the expense of truth 
or decency. 

"What is said in this way is, also, called wit, 
and the person who often says such things, is 
called a wit. 

With draw, v. a. to draw or take 
back. 

He said, he would give a hundred dollars 
an acre for the land, but the next day he 
withdrew his offer. 

v. n. to retire or retreat fr^ra. 

He withdrew from the partnership, and 
commenced business on his own account. 

With hold, v. a. to keep or hold 
back. 

He was very angry and would have struck 
the man, if he had not been withheld by those 
who stood near. 

He withheld the money until the court 
should decide to whom he ought to pay it. 

to refuse. 

The son wished to join the army, but the 
father withheld his consent. 

With stand, v. a. to resist, to stand 
out against. 

The troops withstood the violent attack of 
the enemy, and kept their ground. 

He withstood all the intreaties of a kind 
sister, and would not give up his bad compan- 
ions. 

Wit ness, n. testimony. 

The passengers bore witness to the skill 
and courtesy of the captain during the 
voyage. 

one who gives testimo/iy ; as a wit- 
ness in court, a witness to a deed. 
—one who is present and knows 
that a thing is done ; as an eye- 
witness. 

Woe or Wo, n. grief, misery, calamity. 
" Who hath wo ? Who hath sorrow 1 Who 



hath contentions ? Who hath babbling ? Who 
hath wounds without cause ? Who hath red- 
ness of eyes ? They that tarry long at the . 
wme : they that go to seek mixed wine." 

His death was a woful event to his large, 
young family. 

a threatening of some calamity. 

"Wo to them that call evil good, and good 
evil." 

an expression of deep grief. 

" Wo is me, for I am undone." 

Won' der, (wun der,) n. that feeling 
which is produced in the mind 
when it is affected by something 
new, strange, unexpected, striking, 
or unaccountable. 

Children and ignorant people are full of 
wonder, because they meet with so many 
things which they never saw or knew before. 

When Moses saw the burning bush on 
mount Horeb, and that it was not consumed, 
he wondered greatly. 

that which causes wonder. 

It was a wonder to Edward how the ele- 
phant could do so many things with his 
trunk. 

In the Bible, wonder sometimes means 
miracle. 

Wor' ship, (wur ship,) v. a. to pray, 
to sing praises, and to render honor 
to God as a divine Being. 

" Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, 
and him only shalt thou serve." 

to treat with great reverence. 

In the parable of the servant who owed ten 
thousand talents, it is said that he fell down 
at the feet of his lord and worshipped him. 

When a mother shows an excessive fond- 
ness for her child, she is said to worship it. 

Worth, (wurth,) n. what a thing can 
be sold or exchanged for. — that in 
a thing which makes it capable of 
being put to some good use. 

The French dictionary which he bought at 






WRI 



221 



ZES 



auction was of great worth to him, as he was 
studying that language. 

excellence, usefulness ; as, he is a 

man of worth. 
Worth' less, (wurth less,) a. having 

no worth. 
Wor' thy, (wur thy,) a. deserving, 

having worth or excellence. 

The centurion said to Christ, " I am not 
worthy that thou shouldest come under my 
roof." 

The book is worthy of a place in the libra- 
ry of every young man. 

deserving of ill. 

His father told him that he was worthy of 
the punishment which he had received. 

Wrath, n. very violent anger or dis- 
pleasure. 

"Let not the sun go down upon your 
wrath." 

Wreak, v. a. to execute a revengeful 
and evil design. 

The Romans wreaked their vengeance on 
Jugurtha, a Numidian prince, by casting him 
into prison at Rome, to die with hunger. 
This happened 106 years before Christ. 

Writhe, v. a. and n. to twist the face 
or limbs, or to have them twisted, 
out of shape, as by pain. 



^eal, n. passionate ardor, a very 
strong and eager desire to accom- 
plish some purpose, either good or 
bad. 

His zeal for collecting birds of all kinds, 
to make a history of them, was so strong that 
he travelled over many countries, and under- 
went great hardships, in prosecuting this 
object.. 

Before his conversion Paul was so zealous 
in persecuting Christians, that he pursued 
them even to foreign cities. 

Ze ro, n. the point at which the de- 
grees of a thermometer begin to 
be counted, both upwards and 
downwards. 

In Fahrenheit's thermometer, zero, or the 
cipher 0, is 32 degrees below the point at 
which water freezes. 

Zest, n. an agreeable taste added to 
something. 

He was feverish, and thought the tamarinds 
gave quite a zest tofche water. 

that which heightens enjoyment. 

His lively and instructive conversation 
gave a zest to the other pleasures of the 

evening. 



m 




APPllG/ED SCHO 

WOODFORD fi 003 337 435 5 

No. 1 i*earl Street, New-York. 



..rial Spelling -trated bv mar 

By R. Bentl 

> :' Lesson* in Grammar and Composition. 

Bu'; is' English Gramm 

s' Latin Grammar. 

Bullion*' Latin Reader. 

is' Greek Grati 

ek Reader. 
_ril, with English Notes. 

r.iplvv and At I 
uiuction to Geography. 

rs, being a superior series 



i Prussia 



'.irk bus I 



s Elements of Chemistry, revised. 
Outlines of Physiol 
ung Botanist. 

my and Vegetable Physiology. 
Do. Outlines of Geoii 

Elements of Mineralogy. 
>n's Histon of England. 

are executed in the best manner, 
a all parts of the United States. 






